As 2009 comes to a close, alumni are being asked to help meet the challenge grant pledged by TFAS Regent Lyn Rales, who will match alumni gifts dollar for dollar through year end.

This year we have a significantly larger need for support of the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Given cutbacks in financial aid and tightened student loan programs, students have an increased need for scholarships. 2009 has been challenging for TFAS in terms of our fundraising efforts and our ability to continue all of our top quality programs. In fact, a few programs have been either scaled back or eliminated due to the weak economy, smaller gifts and reduced budgets.

Therefore, we are asking TFAS alumni to rise to the challenge and give back to The Fund.

This month each Institute class from ICPES 1970 through the classes of 2009 will be challenged to compete for the designation of “top giving classes,” which will be determined by percentage of alumni who contribute and total amount given. Take the TFAS class challenge and contribute today by clicking HERE.

James Meadows (E 73) has given his class a jumpstart by pledging $3,500 to “buy” 10 bricks at the TFAS Center for Teaching Freedom. Dozens of other alumni have bought bricks, including most recently John Sweda (E 91), John DuMoulin (E 90, B 91), Mike Richitelli (B 94) and Patrick Crumb (E 84). Ming Yang (HK 02) is coordinating an effort to bundle the gifts of Chinese alumni to support the Alumni Scholarship Fund.

CLICK HERE to visit our Alumni Scholarship Fund webpage and learn how your support can make a difference.