Initiative takes in $273 mil.

Author: Michelle Constant

The College's Initiative fundraising campaign has raised $273 million toward its $500 million goal as of Feb. 29, according to top administrators. The College had raised $234 million during the initative's silent phase before taking it public in October.

According to Ann Crumb, associate vice president for College Advancement, the Initiative represents an effort largely to support the Strategic Plan.

Some of the areas the fundraising will be used for is the United World College, offering financial aid with an international focus. Additional funds will go toward hiring 25 new faculty members over the next few years to allow for smaller classes and more time for professors and students to meet individually.

The Department for College Advancement hopes to educate donors about the kinds of programs they can support through philanthropy. Included in that effort are new events like the upcoming Student Research Symposium, which will showcase a number of self-driven student projects this April.

"We are trying to tell stories that pull the campus together," said Crumb. "It's about people. It's about what's going on inside."

According to Crumb, 80 to 90 percent of the money donated to the Initiative goes toward an "unrestricted," non-earmarked fund. However, some larger donors request to establish scholarships in their names with their donations.