Giving by churches, alumni and others to Goshen College increases; Annual fund giving up as well
GOSHEN, Ind. – The generosity of churches, alumni and friends to Goshen College continued to grow during the 2004-05 fiscal year, which ended June 30.
Giving from alumni, churches and friends to the GC Annual Fund and special funds increased for the 2004-05 year. In total dollar amount, giving by alumni increased by 17 percent; faculty and staff giving rose by 20 percent; and church giving increased by 16 percent, after breaking a declining trend since the 2000 fiscal year, according to Roger Nafziger, executive director of development.
Goshen College received $1,739,145 towards the GC Annual Fund, surpassing last year’s giving by nearly $71,000. Gifts to the GC Annual Fund directly support an annual operating fund that includes more than $3.5 million in student financial aid assistance. “The gifts we receive make it possible to keep a Goshen College education affordable for all students,” Nafziger said.
During the 2004-05 fiscal year, a total of $6,472,405 was given to Goshen College. Setting aside gifts from foundations, that amount represents an increase of nearly $1 million over 2003-04 contribution levels, Nafziger said.
The number of individuals giving at the $1,000 or higher level also grew. In 2004-05, 671 persons gave at the $1,000 or higher level, of which 455 of those gave specifically to the GC Annual Fund. Thirty individuals joined the college’s Associates donor group, each of whom are committed to giving $1,000 annually; many of these supporters responded to a matching challenge grant given by another motivated donor.
“We are grateful for the generous support of our alumni, friends and churches and their willingness to partner with us to create excellence on our campus,” said Andrea Cook, vice president for institutional advancement. “Because of faithful donors, we are able to continue to offer this unique environment – with opportunities like Study-Service Term – that fosters the intellectual, spiritual and social growth of our students so that they can become servant leaders in our church and world.”
During 2004-05, much time was spent by Goshen College interacting with and listening to persons invested in the future of the college through the Advancing Goshen and strategic planning processes, as well as in the search for a new president. “Through these meetings we were reminded of the strong support among alumni, donors and friends of Goshen College,” said Interim President John Yordy. “There is a lot of momentum, energy and excitement for a new president and implementation of the strategic plan. This is a very positive moment for the college.”
To contact the development office, call (574) 535-7558.
Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.
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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.