By David Hynds
AU recently launched its young alumni initiative, titled U Matter, as an integral part of the "Dreams. Discovery. Direction." campaign.
U Matter
engages young alumni by encouraging them to relive their college
experiences and recognize the effect those experiences have had on
their lives.
“We are excited by what this initiative can do for the university,
its students and its relationship with alumni,” said Patricia Bailey,
AU trustee and chair of the alumni campaign division.
Vice President for Advancement, Bob Coffman said, “When a student
becomes part of the AU family, a relationship forms that lasts a
lifetime. When that student becomes an alum, they simply move to a new
branch of the family—a branch whose opinions, needs and wants are
vitally important to us and which continues to shape the character of
Anderson University. That is what our U Matter campaign is all about.”
Bailey said, “To those inside the Anderson University family, giving
is a way to connect with Anderson University, its students and the
structure that supports the mission: structures like the new University
Center which is in final development, and structures like endowments
which help students and faculty.”
The emphasis is on participation, not amount. The U Matter campaign initiates with young alumni and invites them to become a part of the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.”
campaign, while also being understanding of their current stage of
life. For those alumni trying to start a career or a family, big
capital campaigns often seem out of reach. U Matter brings the campaign to a manageable scale, offering a realistic option to young alumni.
Bailey explained, “To those outside of Anderson University and our
alumni family, our commitment to each other and to Anderson University
is evaluated by the percentage who give, regardless of the number of
actual dollars given.”
“Giving is also a way to say ‘thank you’ to those who have given to
support us when we were students,” said Bailey. “Because yesterday’s
student, like today’s student, did not pay the entire cost of our
education as gifted funds subsidized our tuition and related costs,”
said Bailey.
The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s
largest fundraising effort and has raised $86 million to date toward
the goal. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for
capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational
support. For more information about the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign, visit the web site.
David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.
