A strong annual fund underwrites the Colleges' distinctive liberal arts education for generations to come. In fact, no gifts to the Colleges have more immediate impact on today's students than those made every year to The Annual Fund.
The Annual Fund brings in around $2.5 million each year to cover operating expenses - everything from professors' salaries to paying for heat and electricity to supporting events on campus.
There are two general categories of annual giving: unrestricted and restricted.
Unrestricted gifts are gifts given to The Annual Fund, including those with specific designations within The Annual Fund:
-Colleges' Greatest Needs
-Scholarship
-Campus Enhancement
-Center for Teaching & Learning
-International Study
-Technology
-Library Support
Restricted gifts are gifts that are made with a specific designation and are not included in The Annual Fund. Gifts to the Statesman Athletic Association and the Heron Society are examples of annual gifts that are restricted because they are designated specifically for athletics. Hobart and William Smith believe in the integrity of soliciting and honoring gifts, so a gift goes where it is designated (even that $20 to scholarship). Although a restricted gift is not counted as a gift to The Annual Fund, it is counted as an annual gift.
Tuition is more than $43,000 this year. So why does Hobart and William Smith still need money? It costs more to run the Colleges than the income from tuition and interest from the endowment. Seventy-nine percent of students receive some kind of financial aid from the Colleges, which decreases the annual income from tuition. The Colleges have to provide everything that a student might need - and then some. This includes everyday things such as window washing and snow removal, the hundreds of journals in the library, the food in Saga, and the salaries of student workers, staff and faculty. Everything on campus has to be provided by the Colleges. Hobart and William Smith are committed to academic excellence - and that means that the Colleges place an emphasis on the quality of students they attract and the quality of the academic programs. The ability to uphold a level of excellence is dependent on the unrestricted gifts raised through The Annual Fund.
Participation in The Annual Fund is just as important as the amount of money raised annually. Giving a gift at any level demonstrates your support for the Colleges - and the more alums who support the Colleges, the better Hobart and William Smith look.
In fact, gifts of $250 and less totaled more than $350,000 last year! So gifts of any size really do make a difference. Alumni and alumnae participation is an important aspect in attracting prospective students and also in applying for grants and federal aid. This translates to a more valuable degree for you. It is important to remember that an alum counts toward participation whether he or she gives $20 or $200!
Young Alum Participation
FY05= 20.8%
FY06= 22.1%
FY07= 23.5%
FY08= 22.6%
FY09= 22.9%
The Emerson Society, the name of the Colleges' most prominent giving recognition group, continues to honor William Emerson's legacy of service as participant, adviser and benefactor. Today, members of The Emerson Society provide leadership financial support to the Colleges, enabling them to continue their commitment to excellence in liberal arts education.
Young alumni and alumnae are an important part of leadership giving at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. For this reason, alumni and alumnae from the last ten graduating classes have the opportunity to become Emerson Society members at prorated levels. Young alums gain membership by giving $100 for each year since graduation for up to ten years out. This enables young alumni and alumnae to take a leadership role in continuing the tradition of giving back to Hobart and William Smith.
Classes of 2009: $100
Classes of 2008: $200
Classes of 2007: $300
Classes of 2006: $400
Classes of 2005: $500
Classes of 2004: $600
Classes of 2003: $700
Classes of 2002: $800
Classes of 2001: $900
Classes of 2000: $1,000
Member Benefits
Your membership in the Emerson Society places you among our most loyal and generous donors.
"I give to the colleges because I feel it is important to support a place that gave me, and so many others, a great experience for four years. I hope that through my donation I contribute a small part to the larger effort of making the Colleges an even better place for future generations."- Sarah Coffin '05
1. Write a hand-written thank you note to a professor or staff member who made a difference in your life and helped you be where you are today.
2. Go on a campus tour. You will not believe the changes that are happening!
3. Attend your class reunion. You'll regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did do.
4. Call your college roommate to reminisce about the old days at HWS.
5. Cheer on the Herons and Statesmen at a sporting event and don't forget to sport that green, orange and purple!
6. Refer a high school student you know to HWS. Tell them about the great experience you had.
7. GIVE A MEANINGFUL GIFT TO THE COLLEGES EACH YEAR. YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS, REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT.
8. Update your contact information and submit class notes when something meaningful happens. We want to know what is going on in your life.
9. Call Career Services. Ask them what opportunities are available for a young alum to get involved in.
10. Attend a young alumni/alumnae event.
