Participation in Annual Holy Cross Fund Tops 53 Percent

With Holy Cross graduates responding in record numbers, donor participation in the annual Holy Cross Fund not only exceeded its goal, but also bucked national trends in higher education fundraising.

Participation in this year’s annual giving program was 53.2 percent — up four points from 49.2 percent the previous year. The surge in participation was fueled by the Bruttomesso Participation Challenge — a commitment from Raymond Bruttomesso ’56, and his wife Susie, to give Holy Cross $500,000 if alumni participated at a rate of at least 51 percent.

“To have this kind of growth in one year is a remarkable success — and very nearly unprecedented in higher education,” said Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president of Holy Cross, noting that only a handful of private liberal arts colleges have participation rates of more than 50 percent. “The Bruttomessos’ invitation to step up and make a difference clearly inspired alumni. And we’re particularly pleased to see so many of our younger graduates and first-time donors heed his call to participate, no matter what the dollar amount.”

He added: “This is a ringing endorsement that our alumni value the excellence of their Holy Cross education, and want to ensure that the young men and women who will follow them have the same quality experience.”

Historically, Holy Cross’ alumni participation has always been strong, but had slipped below 50 percent in recent years. Nationally, many colleges and universities are struggling to keep participation rates up and ensure that alumni — and especially young graduates who are often burdened with debt as they begin their careers or postgraduate study — are introduced to the culture of “giving back.”

This year, recent Holy Cross graduates (from the Classes of 2000 through 2006) had the best-ever participation rate in the history of the College at 48 percent.

In pointing out that a record number of donors (15,477) gave a total of $7.9 million, Paul Sheff, vice president of development and alumni relations said, “Annual giving is the bedrock of Holy Cross’ financial support. Each and every Holy Cross student benefits from the philanthropy of our alumni.”

Annual gifts through the Holy Cross Fund provide immediate support to the College, providing six percent of the operating budget. That gives Holy Cross essential funding for current and ongoing expenses including: financial aid, library books and periodicals, faculty resources, and maintenance of facilities — all critical to providing students with Holy Cross’ unique undergraduate liberal arts education, rooted in the Jesuit tradition.

Related Information:

* Read more about the Bruttomesso Participation Challenge