FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
 

Marshall’s Annual Fund increases by nearly 30 percent in 2006

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Annual Fund contributions at Marshall University increased by nearly 30 percent in 2006, Rebecca McPhail Samples, director of annual giving, announced today.

Samples said the Annual Fund total for 2006 was $309,664, with an average gift increase of more than 27 percent.  She said Marshall had growth of 13 percent in direct mail revenues, online contribution tripled and Marshall Link – a student-staffed phone program connecting MU students and alumni – grew by 5 percent.

“We are fortunate to work with a talented group of Marshall students who serve as ambassadors to our alumni,” Samples said. “They represent the essence of Marshall University and have made a significant difference in how our alumni view giving back to their alma mater.”

The growth of the Annual Fund is due to increased efforts by the offices of Development and Alumni Relations to reach out to alumni via mail, phone and e-mail communications, Samples said.

“I am pleased with the increased commitment of our alumni who recognize the importance of the continued growth of Marshall,” Samples said. “Their contributions make an immediate difference in the lives of Marshall students by providing scholarship funding and program enhancements that bring a higher standard of quality to Marshall.”

Tish Littlehales, recently named Marshall’s director of alumni relations, said she has noticed a collective desire of the alumni community to be involved in the university’s growth. “Alumni are experiencing a renewed connection to Marshall University,” Littlehales said.

The Annual Fund provides unrestricted funding that contributes to the greatest needs of the university and individual colleges. The Annual Fund is a component of Annual Giving at Marshall University.  For more information on the Annual Fund, call Samples at (304) 696-3292.

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