Dear Kenyon students, faculty and staff,
As sunny summer days in Gambier seem to have no end in sight, our Advancement porch — the white houses along Chase Avenue, with the alumni office on Scott Lane — is always open if you’re looking for a spot in the shade. Our division, which includes seven alumni and two Kenyon parents, has the pleasure of working with alumni long after graduation to inspire their support of Kenyon and help them renew and maintain connections to the College and each other.
I feel a certain affinity for members of the Class of 2029, having just joined the Kenyon community this month as the new vice president for advancement.
As I get to know Kenyon and its people, I am struck by the diversity of thought and singular love of this special place. I’m excited for our newest students to experience what our staff hears from alumni every day: that Kenyon will connect you with the people, passions and pursuits that will influence the rest of your life.
That enduring affection is evident in the many ways alumni stay in touch after graduation, including as dedicated volunteers. Many alumni and others — 7,638 people in the fiscal year that ended June 30 — also give to Kenyon.
The impact of such generosity is visible everywhere you look on the Hill. Gifts to annual funds like the Kenyon Fund helped provide 85% of students with some form of financial aid last year. Gifts to the endowment support professors and their research, as well as scholarships, internships and more.
Most recently, two long-time Kenyon professors with a combined 85 years of teaching experience decided to make significant commitments to Kenyon. Adele Davidson, Charles P. McIlvaine Professor of English, along with her family, made a gift to create the Davidson Family Professorship of English Literature, to which Sergei Lobanov-Rostovsky has been appointed. Also, Michael Evans, Professor Emeritus of History and Humanities, made a commitment through his estate to establish the Michael J.and Tamara S. Evans Scholarship. Such investments speak volumes about the value both beloved professors place in Kenyon and its students.
Last fiscal year was a remarkable one for giving to Kenyon, with nearly $76 million in commitments made. Much of this is now invested in the endowment, where it will provide renewable funding for generations. (You can read more about this impact here.)
In addition to the class agent and Kenyon Fund Executive Committee volunteers who assist with our fundraising efforts, our division is fortunate to have an amazing group of Student Advancement Officers each year. (Read about last year’s SAOs.) In this paid position, students develop valuable professional skills in non-profit and fundraising work. They have the opportunity to meet alumni and educate their peers about the importance and rewards of giving to Kenyon. (Visit Handshake to apply.)
I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year, including at the Community Picnic August 29. We also invite students to stop by outside Peirce Hall on August 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 to get your first day of school pictures to share with family back home.
Although I will be learning just as students are this fall, please consider this an open invitation to reach out to me any time if you have questions about philanthropy and the role it plays at Kenyon. Every major enhancement in Kenyon’s two centuries has been powered by philanthropy and I look forward to partnering with members of this community to continue that incredible momentum.
Sincerely,
Keith DiDonato
Vice President for Advancement