As it prepared to welcome former FDIC chair Sheila Bair as its 28th president, historic Washington College reported that fiscal year 2014-15 turned out to be its most successful fundraising year on record. Fueled by strong support from members of the Board of Visitors and Governors and foundation gifts aimed at the Center for Environment & Society and its sustainability projects, the College raised more than $18.5 million in the year ending June 30, 2015. That’s double the previous year’s total of $9.1 million.
In addition to alumni giving that totaled $8.4 million, the donations included $2.75 million from The Hodson Trust, the College’s most generous long-term benefactor. Other foundations—including the Eugene B. Casey Foundation, the Town Creek Foundation, the Middendorf Foundation, and the Thawley Trust—together contributed close to $3.3 million. Parents and friends of the College donated another $2.4 million.
Interim President Jay Griswold said the record giving is the best possible welcome for President-elect Bair, who starts her new job on August 3. “She is coming on at a time of great momentum,” he said. “Donors are engaged and believe in our mission and our future. We have a Strategic Plan that calls for growth and includes increased commitment to our environmental programming. We are building a new dorm and a new academic building. And we recruited a Class of 2019 that is the most diverse and academically strongest new class in our history. Like many people who care so deeply about Washington College, I think we’re poised to reach exciting new heights under Sheila’s leadership.”
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