VOLUME 20 #1

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DEPARTMENTS

Young alumni meet challenge to support alma mater

ALUMNI | Graduates of the last decade have stepped up and met the Whitney Challenge, raising more than $53,000 for the University.

Early last fall, UD supporters Kenneth C. Whitney, BE80, a member of the Board of Trustees, and his wife, Elizabeth K. Whitney, issued the challenge to UD's young alumni as a way of increasing giving participation from members of the undergraduate classes of 2002-11.

The challenge, which matched all gifts up to $25, was a resounding success, UD development officials say. When the eight-week campaign ended Dec. 31, more than 650 alumni had given back to their alma mater, surpassing the goal of 600 donors. For 200 of them, it was the first time they had ever made a gift to the University.

The donors supported 142 areas at UD, utilizing the full $15,000 match to provide additional support to the areas about which they were most passionate.

"The generous match by longtime donors Ken and Elizabeth Whitney emphasized to young alumni that every gift to the University of Delaware makes a difference," says Monica Taylor, vice president for development and alumni relations. "I'm pleased with the number of graduates from the last decade who supported their alma mater by participating in the challenge."

Through the Whitney Challenge, young alumni were encouraged to contribute whatever they could to support the future of UD and help increase the University's national ranking. They continued to make gifts even after the donor goal was reached.

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"The Whitney Challenge was the perfect opportunity for me to double my support to the UD Alumni Association, whose scholarship allowed me to study in Austria and Germany during my senior year," Tara Wheeler, EH03, AS06M, says. "I hope that my gift helps to provide study abroad opportunities for future Blue Hens."


Whitney Match augments Senior Class Gift

Members of the Class of 2012 are encouraged to contribute to their Senior Class Gift, and this year a donation by the Whitneys will make such gifts even more valuable. The Whitney Match program will double all gifts by seniors to their area of interest through graduation on May 26.

The Senior Class Gift program allows students to show their appreciation for the many opportunities they have had at the University by helping to bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of a UD education. For more about the Senior Class Gift Campaign and the Whitney Match, visit www.udel.edu/seniors

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