Messenger - Vol. 1, No. 1, Page 36 Fall 1991 1990-91 Report of Private Support Special efforts for special projects Parents support increases The 1990-91 Parents Campaign exceeded last year's previous high by 70 percent. A total of $23,000 from 336 families was the generous response to the Parents Association solicitation. Two families' gifts established scholarship funds. Ron and Nancy Harper, co-presidents of the Parents Association and parents of daughters in the Classes of 1988 and 1992, expressed thanks to the donors. The general scholarship fund, the Marching Band, University Libraries, the Office of Career Planning and Placement and the Student Fitness Center were popular designees of parent support. Seniors contribute to landscaping at Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center Over $1,700 was raised from individual members of the senior class as they responded to the initial Senior Class drive for their class gift. In the past, funds for the parting class gift came from the class activities fund. Class president Michael Karch spearheaded the fund raising effort, which began a tradition for Delaware seniors. "The challenge of raising funds each year can become a fun part of senior year activities," he said. Karch acknowledged the efforts of a local business, The Down Under, to assist with class fund raising in 1991. Employee campaign begins In June, employees began replying to the University's call for support in a new way. By mid-August they had pledged over $34,000 to a wide range of University programs and areas. The convenience of payroll deduction helps all employees, and especially those who are alumni or parents of students, to support the University. Dennis Collins is liaison with professionals, Teresa Grasso is staff liaison, while Donald Puglisi is faculty liaison for the campaign. Over two-thirds of the respondents are designating specific uses for their gift support and over three-fourths are using payroll deduction as the means for giving. Most employee gifts will be given and counted in the 1991-92 giving year that began July 1.