2003
The Voice: Winter 2003
Annual gift support reaches record high
by Lyle Gritters, Vice President for College Advancement
We are grateful to report that God richly blessed the mission and work
of Dordt College again last year through the prayers, encouragement, and generous gift
support of alumni and friends of the college. A total of $4,835,000 was
received during the 2001-02 fiscal year, a twenty-four percent increase over the previous
year and an all-time record high. This gift support makes a significant difference
in our ability to maintain an educational program that is recognized for its
academic excellence and its reformational character.
Dordt College has been blessed with a loyal and generous group of supporters.
We are thankful to God for each gift, whether large or small, that
was given last year. In addition to the support of many churches, a
remarkable total of 8063 alumni, friends, business firms, and foundations made gifts to
the college during the 2001-02 fiscal year.
A total of 4625 alumni made contributions to Dordt College in 2001-02, close
to half of our alumni. The US News and World Report ranked Dordt
College number one last year among 110 regional comprehensive (bachelor’s) degree colleges for
the percentage of alumni who contribute to their alma mater. The national average
for alumni participation rates is about twenty percent. This ranking is a tribute
to the loyalty and commitment of our alumni and a clear indication of
their appreciation for the education they received at Dordt College.
Gift support for the Dordt College Fund also reached a record high of
$753,000 last year, an eighteen percent increase over the previous year. The Dordt
College Fund is probably the most important gift support program of the college,
a crucial resource for keeping tuition affordable as we continually improve our academic
programs. And it is an important source for grants and scholarships that are
awarded to needy, deserving students. In summary, it serves as a “living endowment”
for the financial stability of the institution.
The successful completion of fundraising efforts for the new Campus Center was the
highlight of the year for the Capital Fund of the college. Gift support
for the Capital Fund reached a total of $2,274,000, another record high.
On behalf of the entire college community, especially the students, I want to
thank each of the supporting churches and 8063 alumni, friends, business firms, and
foundations for their support of Dordt College during the 2001-02 year. Your partnership
and prayers are vital to the strength and future of the college. Please
join us in giving thanks to God for his providential care.
