LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University consistently ranks in the top 15 colleges and universities nationwide for the percentage of alumni who give to their alma mater. An anonymous member of Transylvania’s Board of Trustees has challenged non-giving alumni to give, and alumni who already give to increase the amount of their gift, by promising to contribute $250,000 in matching funds. However, alumni have to contribute $250,000 in new and increased gifts by June 30, 2010, for the university to receive the $250,000 in matching funds.
“We hope that all our alumni will take advantage of this opportunity to increase the value of their gift,” said Mark Blankenship ’81, acting vice president for alumni and development.
The timing of the trustee’s challenge also creates an opportunity for alumni to demonstrate their appreciation for President Charles L. Shearer’s 31 years of service to Transylvania, including the last 27 as president. Shearer will retire at the end of June.
“Dr. Shearer has worked tirelessly to help make a Transylvania education possible for all qualified students, regardless of family financial circumstances,” said Blankenship. “And, he has worked countless hours to strengthen the university in every way possible.”
There are two components for the challenge.
- The donor will match the full amount of gifts made by alumni who have not contributed to the Transylvania Annual Fund since June 30, 2006, which would make a $50 gift a $100 gift.
- For alumni who have contributed since June 30, 2006, the donor will match the amount of the increase over the donor’s last gift. For example, if the donor’s most recent gift was $100 and the donor increases this year’s gift to $150, the trustee will match the $50 increase.
“Because of the current economic climate, it is more difficult to reach our alumni participation goal of 53 percent,” said Blankenship. “However, I’m confident that our loyal alumni will step up to the challenge issued by this very generous trustee.”
To contribute to the $250,000 Trustee Challenge, call Transylvania’s development office at (800) 487-2679 or make a gift on-line at www.transy.edu/giving.htm