Alumni Participation Takes Huge Leap

Alumni and friends of the College of Science stepped forward in large numbers this past academic year to support the college and the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy.

Nearly 1,000 individuals and others donated in 2008-2009, compared to about 600 a year in the past three years. In particular, alumni were donating to the general scholarship and unrestricted funds of the college and of each of the departments.

“Support from our alumni and friends is so important to the success of our programs,” says Jeff Driggs, director of development for the College of Science. “Even small gifts, when given by hundreds of alumni, as has been happening, add up to significant dollars. And such support shows outside foundations, corporations, and others that those who know us best – our former students – find our programs valuable and worthy of their generosity.”

Many donors have chosen to “give back” as a means of helping the students who are following them, just as they themselves were helped by those who came before.

We invite alumni and other friends to support whatever programs and funds they are interested in. If you have any questions about giving, or about the fundraising priorities of the college or its departments, please contact Jeff Driggs at (801) 581-4719 or driggs@science.utah.edu.

Editor’s Note: The College of Science established a formal alumni association in May 2009 to advance the university’s and the college’s pursuit of excellence by forging and preserving relationships among alumni, students, and the community. See the article “College of Science Alumni Association”.