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Thanks to everyone that responded. I was suprised at the low levels of giving at my beloved alma mater and it really hurt my heart. I am really trying to actively think of ways to assist them in raising more funds--especially from my classmates. I had a wonderful Spelman experience and I want others to share in it!
I must admit, that I gave consistently my first 3 - 5 years out of college but slacked off considerably after that. Other things just seemed to take priority. I've put Spelman back on my priority list (right up there with tithe and morgage) and am even thinking about doing EFT or BillPay through my bank.
For those of you who say "I'll do it when I have the funds" let me share 1 fact that our Development people shared with us: Many foundations who are donating $$$ look at the % of Alum giving when making decisions who they want to give to. If there is strong giving from the graduates the decision makers are more willing to give money because they say the people who know the institution best support it. One of the folks even said "I don't care if you just give $5.00 a year, but give something. Every gift counts." Now of course you know the goal was WAY more than $5, but the point is to increase the %.
My fellow Spelman sisters on the site (I know WenD08 & abaici are Spelmanites, not sure who else) make sure you go to the Banquet during your reunion year. It was absolutely wonderful!! The parade of classes where each class gives their class gifts was so nice and there was not a dry eye in the house when this little old lady from the class of 1933 (that right, she graduated from COLLEGE in 1933) said as she presented their check for $5,000 "We couldn't give as much as some of the other classes because there aren't that many of us left....we are just happy to be ALIVE!!"
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