2006 Annual Report of Excellence - Pitzer College

a strong
Financial Future
Pitzer College’s fundraising efforts continued to set records in
2005–06. Led by generous members of the Board of Trustees,
more than 3,100 alumni, parents, faculty and staff, friends, and
organizations contributed to the College for a wide range of
vital projects. The number of donors at the President’s Circle
level ($1,000 and above) has increased by 59 percent during
the past five years, while total contributions to the Annual
Fund have increased by 32 percent, reaching an all-time high
in 2005–06 of $1,436,000 raised in a single year.
Pitzer is currently raising funds for the Residential Life Project,
which includes nearing the completion of three residence halls
and programming to improve the on-campus experience for
students. In 2005–06, the College raised $3,700,000 in new
pledges for the project, bringing the total funds raised to date
to more than $15 million of the anticipated $18 million goal.
Mirroring the financial security realized through a maturing
fundraising program, the College’s endowment has also experienced
significant growth during the past five years, increasing
by 83 percent to its current market value of $86.3 million in
spite of significant market volatility. This growth is attributed
to a combination of new gifts to support the endowment as
well as careful attention to prudent, long-term investment
strategies. Pitzer also realized substantial growth in 2006 when
it received its largest gift to date—$15 million from the estate
of Roger C. Holden, one of the College’s early trustees.
Collective gifts received throughout the year help the College
achieve key initiatives such as strengthening its academic
programs and funding student scholarships.
28 | Report of Excellence