Last year the 2001-2002 Hobart and William Smith Annual Fund Campaign reached 37.4 percent participation. With only days remaining in the 2002-2003 Annual Fund year, 635 donors are still needed to reach a goal of 40 percent. The participation of alumni and alumnae is crucial to the reputation of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. It is a factor used by publications, such as U.S. News and World Report, when ranking colleges and universities. It is also observed closely by corporations and foundations when making decisions on funding educational projects as well as prospective students and their parents. Last year’s alumni/alumnae participation rates for peer institutions were as follows:

With a current participation rate of 36.22 percent, the Colleges are poised to reach new highs, but this can not be done without the support of alumni and alumnae. Please know that any gift of any size, before June 30, 2003, really is crucial to reaching this goal.