Alumnae started the reunion giving program on their own. In fact, the Class of 1915 was the first to mark their fiftieth anniversary of graduation by presenting a gift to the University. Their generosity in 1965 prompted subsequent classes to bestow a reunion gift. Sometimes these were cash contributions, and other times a specific tangible project was chosen by the class, such as the University Mace, the Chancellor's Chain, the restoration of the University Bell. The Class of 1953 commissioned a statue of Minerva, which stands on the lawn at the newly-renovated Elliott University Center. Other gifts have included professorships, scholarships, and other endowments.
Since 1995, the reunion giving program has raised more than $3 million.
Beginning with the Class of 1956, class members will be permitted to designate their reunion gifts to support the program/project of their personal choice. Individuals will be encouraged to name endowments for scholarships and program support, support capital projects such as the restoration of the Alumni House and other major facility initiatives, or add to funds that already exist for a specific purpose. Those who choose not to restrict their gift are encouraged to increase their support of the UNCG Annual Fund. We hope that honoring the wishes of the donor, not just the class, will help raise additional support for the University.
Class campaigns usually run for two and a half years prior to the fiftieth reunion. Major gifts of $10,000 or more pledged any time after the forty-fifth reunion, will count towards the class total.
The Reunion Committee is a group of class volunteers who work in partnership with University staff. These volunteers play a key role in encouraging classmates to set their sights on giving levels that are significantly higher than in the past. Staff and volunteers work together to meet key fundraising goals:
For information about the Reunion Giving Program contact Miriam Fields Associate Director of Annual Giving 336-334-4024 miriam_fields@uncg.edu
