Sallyportal: Madly Blogging Reed

Campaign Tops $185 million

By Randall S. Barton on February 10, 2012 10:32 AM

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President Colin Diver announced last week that the Centennial Campaign has surpassed $185 million toward its $200 million goal.

"We are grateful for the very generous support from more than 7,000 alumni and an additional 4,000 friends," Diver said.

The campaign supports priorities that were defined by the collective work of campus planning completed during a faculty retreat in 2005 and launched by the trustees later that year. It received early momentum in November 2007 through a $10 million commitment by trustee Dan Greenberg '62 and his wife, Susan Steinhauser, who were already significant supporters. A second leading gift was received in 2009 with $20 million from the estate of famed fantasy/science fiction writer David Eddings '54.

Last week, the campaign received two more remarkable gifts. Long-time Reed biology professor and scientist Helen Stafford [biology 1954-87], who passed away in August, bequeathed more than $8 million to the college. The bulk of her gift will provide financial aid; $1 million will support the biology department.

The other gift was from long-time college friend Jack Dawkins and his late wife, Jean, who created a charitable trust that will provide over $6 million in additional unrestricted endowment for the college's educational program. An early Wall Street innovator, Jack did not attend Reed but came to love and support the college through the experience of their late son Robert '79.

"These are only four of more than 11,000 stories of generosity that have animated this campaign and the college over its remarkable hundred-year history," said Hugh Porter, vice president of college relations. "This tremendous support has helped Reed meet many of the campaign's goals."

To date, the Centennial Campaign has achieved the following:

• Added over $60 million in to the endowment to augment the college's need-based financial aid program.

• Provided support for 13 new full-time faculty positions.

• Helped fund the construction of a new performing arts building that will host the music, dance and theatre departments.

• Supported the construction of additional residence halls, so that more students can live on campus.

• Expanded funding for research conducted by students and faculty.

• Provided over $42 million of unrestricted gifts to respond to immediate needs and promote future innovation.

Tags: Helen Stafford, philanthropy