This year, 11,326 donors made a gift to the Amherst Annual Fund. These alumni, together with parents and friends, set a new record for dollars raised with $10.7 million—the highest Annual Fund total in the College’s history.

Especially noteworthy is that for the second year in a row, Amherst saw an increase in young alumni giving, with the College’s youngest 10 classes increasing their participation by nearly 5 percent from last year.

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student phonathon callers for the Annual Fund

In addition, 9,246 alumni who donated to the Annual Fund last year did so again this year, and seven reunion classes beat their personal records for dollars or donors. The class of 1992, for example, raised a record $600,000 for the 25th reunion, and had an impressive 73 percent class participation. The classes of 1967 and 2007 were close behind, with 68 percent and 67 percent participation, respectively.

The Annual Fund is vital because every dollar goes directly into the College’s operating budget, supporting the teaching and learning that is central to an Amherst education. The fund was started in 1906 by a group of alumni, and generations of alumni have volunteered and contributed to the fund in the years since.

“We are deeply grateful to both our donors and the tremendous network of volunteers who made this year a success! Volunteering for the Annual Fund is a commitment," said Kathy Chia '88, Alumni Fund co-chair. "But the bonds we build with our fellow alums and the College make it incredibly rewarding.”

 

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AF year-end results graphics