Letter from the President of the UMass Amherst Foundation

Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends,

UMass Amherst has made great strides in encouraging a culture of philanthropy in the past five years. In every area, UMass Amherst's fundraising is on the upswing and setting new standards. This past fiscal year, we have raised millions of dollars, increased the number of donors, and achieved strong results in attracting major gifts — more than 16 gifts of a half million dollars or more. The Class of 1957 significantly surpassed its 50th Reunion Class Gift goal, as did the Class of 2007.

These fundraising accomplishments are important because they are the foundation for achieving the mission of UMass Amherst: to be an outstanding place for learning, scholarship, research, and outreach. These are the goals that motivate us to be supporters. For so many of us, UMass Amherst made a difference, so we choose to make a difference for the students who follow us.

There is no substitute for a generous and appreciative community of campus alumni and friends. No university sustains excellence without it. We thank all of you who have shown your support for UMass Amherst and hope that you will join our effort to widen and deepen the base of private philanthropic support for the Amherst campus.

Sincerely yours,

Eugene M. Isenberg, President
UMass Amherst Foundation