~Wtt&1 - - Hoover Library

AlumniFund Breaks RecordThis successful tellm is ehoion at the start of the AlumniFund drive. Left to rigf,t-!ulian L. Dyke, ir., '50; ClarenceH. Bennett, '28; Philip E. Uhrig, Ahlmni Secretary;and Wilmer V. Bell, '30All alumni are proud of the significant contributionthe Annual Alumni Fund provides toward the educationof western Maryland College students. Each year since1947, the Fund has provided a vital source of incomenecessary for the college to offset rising operating expenses.In 1966 alumni have reached new heights in thisexpression of their concern for their Alma Mater.It is a distinct pleasure to announce that $47,030.42has been received as of August 20, $5,000 more than thegoal the Alumni Fund Committee announced at the beginningof the campaign. This achievement is particularlySignificant when one remembers that duringthis period many alumni were completing payments onCentennial Expansion pledges. Stated another way, thetotal of contributions received represents the equivalentof the interest an additional $1,175,000to the EndowmentFund would produce at a 4%return.The funds received will be used to improve the qualityof education available to WMC students. There aremany ways the money may be used. This, of course, willbe determined by the coJlege, but let me suggest someareas that might be included:_ to support increased faculty salaries_ to repair and maintain college property_ to underwrite the cost of electricity, water and insurance_ to cover the annual library book budget and collegeprinting costs_ to aid qualified students not covered by endowedscholarship fundsIn '66 the "team" was made up of 625 alumni-morethan double the number previously involved in any singlecampaign. An average gift of nearly $20 was contributedhy 2,356 persons representing classes from 1893 through1968. Both the number of contributors and the averagegift are n new high for Western Maryland. The averagegift represents an increase of more than $2.50 above ourprevious high. Many classes more than doubled their1965 total amount contributed.Appreciation is expressed to each alumnus who contributedto the success of the 1966 program. I especiallywish to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of BishopJames H. Straughn, '99, who served as Old GuardChairman and 'Wilbur Preston, Jr., who headed theSpecial Gifts Campaign.Tn 1966 much has been accomplished. 1 want to expressto you sincere appreciation for the opportunity toserve as General Chairman. It has been a rewardingexperience to have been involved in such a worthwhileendeavor and to exceed our goal. More important, Ihave had a unique opportunity to meet and know· moreof our \"'MC family. It has been an enriching experience.In WMC's future is an expanding physical plant requiringadditional services and improved programs oflearning necessary to provide the standard of excellencewhich is the objective of our college. With a growingstudent enrollment and rising costs, it is clear that feesand endowments are no longer adequate to meet thesegrowing demands and Western Maryland must morethan ever depend on other sources of income such asthe ever increasing annual support of alumni.The experience of 1966 indicates that alumni arecommitted to the support of Western Maryland Collegeand will meet whatever challenges the future may bring.ln the list of class contributors to follow, total amountsfor individual classes have been withheld where onlyone member of the class made a contribution.The asterisks designate alumni whose contributionsqualified them to become members of the Cornerstoneor Century Clubs. The former represent those who contributed$2.'5-$99.Each has received a windshield stickerwhich admits his car to home football games on HoffaField free of charge. Members of the Century Clubsignify those alumni who contributed $100 or more.These have received a card case which when presentedto the appropriate authority admits the bearer to anyactivity on campus for which admission is charged.pageji,,!!