Dear Friends:
Change and transition often bring a rush of energy and new opportunity. This was never more true than in fiscal year 2007, as we celebrated President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg’s remarkable 19-year tenure and welcomed Steven Knapp, the 16th President of The George Washington University.
During this past year, many took the opportunity to thank President Trachtenberg for his leadership by making gifts to the Trachtenberg Legacy of Excellence Campaign, which closed with commitments totaling more than $16 million. To give you a sense of the range of these gifts: one came from an emeritus trustee who served on the search committee that brought President Trachtenberg to GW and another from a classmate at his alma mater, James Madison High School!
Because of you, our friends and benefactors, total fundraising attainment was $81 million this past year, surpassing our $75 million goal. This represents an increase of nearly $14 million over fiscal year 2006 and $19 million over fiscal year 2005.
We also set a goal for unrestricted giving of $9 million and handily exceeded that target, bringing in more than $22 million in unrestricted commitments. Similarly, we wanted to increase gifts to endowment by 30 percent to at least $22 million. Actual attainment was more than $30 million. The Annual Fund continued to grow with gifts totaling $5.1 million from 19,000 donors, an increase over last year’s $4.3 million and 17,900 donors.
As we celebrate our success and approach the coming year with confidence and enthusiasm, we are pleased to have strong and immediate support from President Knapp. He will be travling across the country and around the world to meet alumni, parents, and friends; do come see us when we come to your hometown!
Laurel Price Jones
Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations
P.S. Please take a moment and view our latest video, "Because of You." This piece illustrates the power of philanthropy and the impact of your gifts in support of GW. On behalf of President Steven Knapp and the Board of Trustees, I want to thank you for your commitment to The George Washington University.