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Fall 2004
Vice President's Letter
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Publications Department, Boston University, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, One Sherborn Street, Boston, MA 02215, 617-353-9253

Letter from the Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations

Photo by Vernon Doucette
  Photo by Vernon Doucette
 

French author and philosopher Albert Camus (1913–1960) said, “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”

The beginning of the new academic year here on campus is a good time to pause for a moment and thank all of you who have supported our efforts in so many ways. I am pleased to report that last year was a record year for our Annual Funds, which encompasses those contributions made directly to one of the University’s schools or colleges to be used as its dean designates. These gifts truly impact the present state at BU by allowing us to provide resources to meet our most critical—and sometimes unforeseen—needs, from scholarships to facility improvements.

To recognize the individuals who support our Annual Funds with leadership gifts, we recently launched Annual Fund Leadership Giving Societies. In September, you received a brochure President ad interim Chobanian mailed to all alumni, detailing this new program of acknowledgement and appreciation. The Leadership Giving Societies recognize and reward donors who give to an Annual Fund in the amount of $1,000 and up. In addition to being an integral part of the future of the University, members of these societies will receive public recognition and, depending on their level of giving, invitations to special events and access to further opportunities. I hope you will respond to President Chobanian’s appeal and become an inaugural member of an Annual Fund Leadership Giving Society.

Autumn is wonderful here—the campus is abuzz with students and faculty, the weather is beautiful, and as I walk up and down Commonwealth Avenue, to the West Campus or to Kenmore Square, I sense the excitement and possibility that fills the air. Once again, I send my thanks to you as donors for your generosity in giving, which truly does go toward the bright future of Boston University and our students, alumni, and friends.

Cordially,

Christopher R. Reaske