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For the first time, alumni
who want to make an annual gift to Binghamton University may, simply
by checking a box, allocate their money to an individual school
or unit.
The new format was unveiled this year and makes it easier for alumni
to directly support the area they are most interested in, said Melinda
Holicky, director of the Binghamton Fund, the University's annual
giving program.Ê
"The Binghamton Fund is a fresh new approach to annual giving
at Binghamton University that encourages donor choice," Holicky
said. "With the Binghamton Fund, you can give to one or more
areas of the University of greatest interest to you, and make a
difference in many ways."
More than 10,000 people -- alumni, community residents, faculty
and staff, parents of students and graduating seniors -- give to
the fund each year. Many elect not to restrict their gift to a school
or unit, but to allow the University to use it for ongoing or critical
needs.
Like its predecessor, BU's Annual Fund, general, unrestricted gifts
to the Binghamton Fund support:
- scholarships and fellowships
- academic awards
- undergraduate research
- faculty recruitment and retention
- career development programs
- alumni and admissions programs
"General, unrestricted support is 'sustaining support,'"
Holicky said. "It provides funds for programs and services
with the greatest need at Binghamton."
Gifts have
an immediate impact
Donors of large gifts also support the Binghamton Fund as a way
to have an immediate impact rather than waiting years to fulfill
their pledges or endowments, Holicky said.Ê
Nicholas Stamato '76, a local cardiologist and president
of the BU Foundation board of directors, supports the Binghamton
Fund in addition to endowing a scholarship at Harpur College, where
he graduated with a degree in biology and psychology. Stamato and
his wife, Susan, make gifts that are usually unrestricted, although
they have also directed support to his alma mater, Harpur College,
and to athletics.
"Binghamton is where I first learned about excellence, from
some of the faculty," said Stamato. "It's been reinforced
in other places, but this is where I first experienced people who
are dedicated to excellence, people who have achieved it in their
professional fields.
"I really think that Binghamton represents the best of what
society ought to do," he added. "It's a place that transforms
people and generations. Look at what it can do for people who are
the first in their family to attend college, or for immigrants or
children of immigrants. This place makes a great, positive difference
for our society -- it's a positive force for change."
Like Stamato, David Kushner '70 endowed a scholarship at Binghamton,
in the School of Education and Human Development, and is also a
longtime supporter of annual giving.
"I would not be where I am in my career today if it were not
for the foundation provided by my education at Binghamton,"
said Kushner, who recently accepted a post as president and CEO
of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), based
in Chicago. He previously served as president and CEO of the American
Osteopathic Healthcare Association.
"The (SEHD) scholarship I endowed was a way for me to accomplish
a personal goal to help others advance their education while working
full time -- as I had done," Kushner said. "And with the
close of the Campaign for Binghamton University, the Binghamton
Fund is a systematic way to continue your support of the University's
operations, activities and programs."
Leadership Society
is established
In addition to donor choice, a new aspect of annual giving at Binghamton
this year is the Leadership Society.
"This society was established to recognize those whose belief
in our mission is so strong that they contribute single gifts of
$1,000 or more to the University each year," said Holicky.
"Gifts at this level help to ensure the present and future
excellence of the University.
"Part of my role is educating potential and existing donors
that each and every gift to the Binghamton Fund is valued and has
an impact," she added. "I want donors to realize that
they are philanthropists regardless of the size of their gift. Participation
is important and is carefully evaluated by foundations and corporations
when making their own funding decisions for Binghamton University.
They see alumni participation rates as a barometer of interest and
support of the institution from those closest to it. They want to
know that the University's constituents value the institution and
believe in it enough to give back."
-- Susann Thiel
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