February 20, 2001

UConn employees at Storrs and the regional campuses will soon be receiving letters asking them to consider giving to the Annual Fund, which provides support for a wide range of programs, research initiatives and scholarships at the University.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents and friends, businesses and foundations, the Annual Fund has helped the University maintain excellence in teaching, research and service and continue to build upon its academic reputation.

'We are all committed to the jobs we are doing here at the University in any number of ways," says Judy Kelly, a professor of molecular and cell biology, "and we're proud to be a part of the University's accomplishments and vision. Contributing to the Annual Fund is another way we can build on UConn's current strengths and reputation."

Kevin Fahey, senior associate director for campus activities, agrees. "As much as I think I give to the University, I still enjoy giving a little extra in hopes that I am helping make UConn the great university it is and can be," he says.

Gifts to the Annual Fund may be directed to scholarships, academic programs, research efforts, staff development, library enhancement, or diversity initiatives, to name a few.

"When a significant number of University employees contribute to the annual fund, it sends a clear message that they believe in UConn and share a vision for the future," says Edward T. Allenby, vice president for institutional advancement and president of the UConn Foundation. "It helps us make the case in our ongoing efforts to secure private gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations."

Gifts may be designated any way the donor wishes. Three prominent funds in the Annual Fund are the President's Fund, the Deans' Fund and the Parents' Fund. Gifts to the President's Fund are unrestricted and are allocated to meet the University's greatest needs. Among programs that receive support are residential life, learning skills and first year experience programs; the Center for Undergraduate Education; and student aid and merit scholarships.

Those who wish to direct a gift to support a particular school or college may contribute to the Deans' Fund. Individuals may also target a specific department or program to which they are committed.

Parents of current and former UConn students may wish to give to the Parents' Fund. The University's undergraduate research initiatives, First Year Experience Program, the Institute of Teaching and Learning, and student aid and merit scholarships have all benefitted from the generosity of parents.

"Your gift makes a difference," says Allison Grebe, associate director of annual giving. "It can have an impact on your own department and students, can fund scholarships, financial aid, research labs, libraries, technology, or exhibit facilities. A gift to the Annual Fund is a wonderful way to do something extra for UConn."

Fiscal year 2000 was a boom year for the Annual Fund: as of June 30, 2000, 27,467 UConn alumni, parents, and friends - up from 16,879 the previous year - made gifts totaling nearly $2 million. That figure represents a 54 percent increase in support over fiscal year 1999.

For more information, call (800) 269-9965 or (860) 486-1173. Or send e-mail to: annualfund@foundation.uconn.edu.

Sherry Fisher