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Says Susan Lester, director of alumni affairs: “Annual Giving is
about people; people give because they want to invest in the future.”
Adds Lester: “The University is committed to providing students
with an educational experience that will serve them for a lifetime –
an experience that no doubt will serve to make the world a much
better place.”
Strong alumni support lends credibility to the campaign and
encourages outside donations from corporations, foundations and
government,” says Lester. “When alumni give, it sends a strong
message that the people who know the University of Windsor best
believe in its value and want to be a part of keeping it strong.”
Says Samiran Dwivedi BSc ’04: “Having spent four wonderful
years at the University and after receiving so much from it, giving is
the least I can do to enable others to experience the same.”
And Sean Lambert BA ’06, BEd ’08 says that “Far too often
we forget the experiences that have molded us into the successful
individuals that we are. For me, giving to my alma mater symbolizes
an appreciation for my growth and development as a citizen.
Education will determine the success of current and future
generations; giving back is a way in which we can all ensure we play
a role in the development of young minds.”
In the current economic downturn, the Annual Giving Program
is an essential element of the University of Windsor’s formula for
success. The campaign has a history of raising much-needed dollars
for campus. Since 1985, millions have been generated by thousands
of alumni, friends, faculty and staff. The AGP’s importance cannot
be overstated as part of the University of Windsor’s vision for this
millennium, says University President, Dr. Alan Wildeman:
“Our Annual Giving Program stands as a centerpiece of the
commitment of our alumni and friends to the University,” says
President Alan Wildeman. “Year in and year out, these gifts provide
much-needed student financial aid, and enrich the education,
research and recreational environment of our campus. Each and
every donor is adding conviction to the University of Windsor’s
reputation as a place where people from all walks of life can find
new levels of personal achievement, and a place that is taking
action on what our communities and society expects of us.”
Annual Giving Program funds can be targeted to a wide
range of initiatives, supporting research labs, athletic teams, and
academic programs, for example. Donations can be targeted to a
specific faculty, department or program. It is an integral part of
the University’s ability to maintain a robust scholarship program,
helping UWindsor attract high-calibre students.
“As students, we tend to put education first, giving us less time
to build up our finances,” says Samara Mouawad, a fourth-year
honours business student. “Receiving a scholarship helps ease that
burden, giving us that extra motivation to continue on with our
education. It gives us great peace of mind knowing that there is a
lot of support out in the community.”
Says Lester: “Knowledge and innovation are the hallmarks of a
first-rate university. Through financial contributions to the Annual
Giving Program, we can provide students with the tools to meet the
changing demands of business, industry and society as a whole.”
What keeps Annual Giving strong is the addition of new
graduates, who join the giving circle as soon as they are financially
able, she adds. “We welcome our new grads to the alumni family
and encourage them to give back to the University, and build it up.”
Says Lester: “Annual Giving connects alumni, friends, faculty and
staff in the common goal of taking the University of Windsor into
the future.”
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The Annual Giving Program has raised millions of dollars since its inception.
