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University fundraisers top record $90 million mark in fiscal 2002
By David J. Craig
Despite the continuing stock market slump and the tightened economy following
September 11, Boston University's fundraising efforts brought in a record-setting
$90.6 million during the 2002 fiscal year. The total exceeded the $85.6
million raised last year and continued an unprecedented seven-year stretch
of growth in donations to the University.
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| Christopher Reaske, vice president for development and alumni relations, Richard DeWolfe (MET'71), chairman of the Board of Trustees, Edward Masterman, cochairman of the board's development committee, and Chancellor John Silber (from left) gathered on July 11 at a tropical Hawaiian theme party to thank Office of Development and Alumni Relations staff for the University's seventh consecutive record-breaking year in fundraising. Photo by Kalman Zabarsky | |
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"September 11 was sobering not only for the country, but for our
own work," said Christopher Reaske, vice president for development
and alumni relations, at a July 11 function celebrating the University's
most successful year of fundraising to date. "We lost some large
foundation proposals, including one for $10 million that had been in the
works for three years, because the foundation sent the $10 million instead
to New York. But we approved of that decision wholeheartedly and told
them that that was a wonderful thing to do.
"We also held up mailings towoes. "It is truly remarkable that
we have been able to reach this goal in excess of $90 million in cash
and $150 million in cash and pledges," he said. "This is a distinguished,
and in my opinion, an almost miraculous achievement."
Silber also credited Reaske and BU President Emeritus Jon Westling, who
had resigned two days earlier (see Silber interview on page 1), with overseeing
a groundbreaking era in BU fundraising. In fiscal year 1995, right before
Reaske arrived at BU, the University brought in just $37.7 million in
gifts.
"Each year we have raised more than we had raised in any previous
year in the history of the University," said Silber. "To put
this year's achievement of $90.6 million in perspective, it may be useful
to remember that Boston University raised $2.5 million in 1971, the year
I came. This shows you just how far we have come."
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Richard DeWolfe (MET'71) and trustee
Edward Masterman also thanked Office of Development and Alumni Relations
staff.
"I don't want to lose sight of the fact that every dollar we're able
to raise moves one more spoonful of dirt, puts one more brick on the foundation
[of the new Student Village], and helps one more graduate to become an
educated human being," said DeWolfe. "And it is only by educating
people that we will ultimately live in a world that is free of intolerance.
What we [as fundraisers] are delivering here is not just money, it's the
money to meet the mission of being the beacon of education."
30 August 2002
Boston University
Office of University Relations