The alumni magazine of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ...

39
PHILANTHROPY REPORT
United in support of students
Even from the earliest days, aviation and aerospace have never been
for the faint of heart. From the aviation pioneers who braved those
first flights to the modern visionaries who are designing new planes,
launching rockets and building business models that sustain global
companies– all are united by a bold drive and determination to
succeed in the face of great challenges.
Embry-Riddle students who come here—as it is often said—to “apply
themselves rather than find themselves,” share that drive and
determination to achieve their dreams. Embry-Riddle students are
typically engaged in applied learning experiences that you won’t
find at other undergraduate universities—whether it’s launching a
rocket 20 miles into space with the Icarus Project, building the nextgeneration,
alternative-energy automobile with EcoCAR, or winning
regional and national championships with our flight and athletics
teams.
In partnership with our colleagues in financial aid, the development
office has the distinct pleasure and honor of working to award
scholarships to many of these students. We take this responsibility
seriously and do this work on behalf of each donor. During the
university’s To Soar fundraising campaign, donors contributed
more than $7.2 million to create more than 200 new scholarship
funds. These donations go directly to pay for a portion of tuition for
deserving men and women, providing students a helping hand as
they face their own challenges.
Our alumni play a key role in our ability to reach out to students as
they strive to succeed. During our recent campaign, more than 5,000
alumni chose to make a donation to Embry-Riddle, even though
these are tough economic times for many. That is an extraordinary
statement of support for students.
And for your support we thank you! You’ve been an integral part of
an exciting era for Embry-Riddle—an era of robust investment and
ambitious plans for the future. It is an honor to present this third
edition of the Lift philanthropy issue on behalf of our students and
each of their dreams.
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Montplaisir
Vice President
Office of Institutional Advancement