Smith College’s European alumnae are only 11 days away from the end of an exciting fundraising participation challenge.
Europe: Stand and Be Counted Challenge challenged alumnae to raise Smith’s percentage of alumnae who make a gift—of any size—to the college each year. Why is participation so important? Well, one of the inputs to the US News and World Report rankings is the percentage of alumnae who make a gift to the college each year. Smith’s overall percentage is about 31%, Mount Holyoke’s 36% and Wellesley’s 45%. Williams, ranked #1 by US News, has a 60% participation rate.
Last year, only 15% of European Smithies made gifts to Smith. The Europe: Stand and Be Counted Challenge is striving for 30% participation this year and is nearly there! Fewer than 60 more donors are needed to reach the goal.
Recently, Margaret Joss ’70 of Greece sent a check with a note to the Smith Fund. She said,
“You finally got me. I’ve received a multitude of mailings about the big capital campaign. I’ve donated in the past. I had kind of decided, ‘this time, right now, I can’t.’ I do live in Greece, remember. But today there was an e-mail directed at me. Europe: Stand and Be Counted. I watched the video and believe in women leaders and I do believe in Smith as able to play a significant role in stimulating and supporting such leadership. Hence a check, at last.”
The leaders of the Smith Clubs in London and Paris have challenged all European alumnae to reach 30% participation by June 30. This is all about participation — every gift of any size, counts — especially yours!
Please join Margaret Joss and hundreds of others who are proud Smith alumnae in Europe. Just fewer than 60 more alumnae donors and we’ll reach the goal! Become one of them and make your gift today!
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