Princeton University’s Annual Giving Campaign Raises Second Highest Amount in School History

Despite the tough economy, Princeton University’s 2010-11 annual giving campaign raised just over $50 million, the second highest total ever.

More than 61 percent of undergraduate alumni participated in the campaign that also included donations from parents and graduate school alumni, school officials said in a release about the fundraising effort.

“This year’s Annual Giving results are truly remarkable and provide important momentum as we enter the final year of the Aspire campaign,” said President Shirley M. Tilghman. “These unrestricted funds are critical to sustaining and expanding Princeton’s commitment to world-class teaching and research, while also helping us to meet the full financial needs of our students. I am deeply grateful to all the volunteers whose dedication made this splendid outcome possible and to our alumni, parents and friends for their loyalty and generosity.”

Undergraduate alumni participation surpassed 61 percent for the first time since 1969, drawing the largest number of alumni donors ever: 36,022. Leading the classes in the amount raised was the class of 1986, which contributed just over $9 million, the highest total ever for a 25th Reunion, as well as an all-time record for any class.

“I am grateful to our extraordinary volunteer team members who give their time and energy so generously in order to bring about each year’s results,” said Annual Giving Chair R. Kelly Doherty, a member of the class of 1981. “The fact that 61.3 percent of undergraduate alumni contributed to this year’s effort speaks volumes not only to the incredible hard work our volunteers put into this campaign, but also to the dedication of the entire Princeton family, who puts such a high priority on supporting the University’s pursuit of excellence.”

All gifts to annual giving are part of the school’s five-year, $1.75 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign called Aspire: A Plan for Princeton.