David Parker and Brian Benenhaley

Brian Benenhaley ’96 and David and Elizabeth George Parker ’86 & ’87 believe so strongly in the importance of annual fund giving that they’ve decided to provide extra spark to PC+, a new campaign for young alumni. Benenhaley and the Parkers will add $25 to any donation of $25 or more that a young alumnus makes to the PC Fund or Scotsman Club.

PC+, which lasts from February 1 to May 1, is intended to increase young alumni participation in PC Fund and Scotsman Club giving. Currently, young alumni, 1993 – 2007 graduates, make up 41% of PC’s alumni base. However, only 14% of young alumni support the college’s annual fund.

“Frankly, I was shocked when I learned how low the young alumni gift participation was, especially when compared to other similar institutions,” Benenhaley said.

Funds contributed to the annual fund are unrestricted funds that go toward what the college needs: from covering operating expenses to adding to the scholarship endowment. Benenhaley says that contributing to the annual fund supports PC and each alumnus’ future as well.

“There’s no doubt that PC has grown in prestige since I graduated in ‘96.  This prestige and recognition has enhanced the value of every alum’s degree in the marketplace,” he said.  “I want my PC degree to continue to be an appreciating asset. That’s why I decided to be a part of this match.”

The $25 goes a long way. In addition to Benenhaley and the Parkers raising each alum’s donation $25, corporations and foundations also make the money go further. These institutions exist to provide additional funds to support the improvement of colleges and universities. The corporations and foundations measure the strength of a school by the level of support they get from alumni, giving only if alumni participation to the annual fund is at a certain level.

“The way (corporations and foundations) see it, if alumni don’t give to a school, why should they?” Hannah Smith ’05, director of PC Fund and Scotsman Club, said.

“Elizabeth and I are excited to be a part of the challenge,” Parker said. “For PC to maintain the level of excellence we have all come to expect, alumni of all ages must give back. We hope many young alumni will join us to make this campaign a Blue Hose success.”

In addition to the fundraising aspect of the campaign, PC+ will also coincide with the launch of a young alumni website (www.presby.edu/alum/ya). The site will offer opportunities for young alumni to share their own stories and all sorts of information relevant to ’93-’07 Blue Hose.

posted by sadyer@presby.edu

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