To commemorate the 60th anniversary of New College’s founding in 1960, the New College Foundation launched a 1,960-minute giving campaign last week that raised $51,239 from 436 donors.
The online initiative ran from 8 a.m. Tues. Oct. 20 to 4:40 p.m. Wed. Oct. 21, and the goal was to generate a minimum of $19,600 for New College scholarship funds. But alumni, faculty, staff, parents and community supporters came out in droves to support the College, and some financial gifts are still anticipated to come in through the mail.
“New College was founded in 1960. Today, it thrives as the state’s honors college and one of the finest affordable liberal arts colleges in the United States,” said MaryAnne Young, the vice president of advancement and executive director of the Foundation. “New College has seen profound changes in six decades. But its core philosophy hasn’t changed. It’s never wavered from its mission: To prepare intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement.”
With more than 90 percent of students receiving some form of financial aid (and nearly every admitted student being offered a scholarship), New College is one of the most affordable small colleges in the country. And, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, students everywhere are facing increased financial stress that impacts their decision—and ability—to attend college.
“The Foundation exists to raise funds to support students and open the doors to a world-class college education for young people who might otherwise have been shut out,” Young said. “And the pandemic has proven to be challenging for students in more ways than one. Students and their families are struggling to make ends meet—many have lost jobs and are taking on debt. We’re reaching out to alumni and the community to stand by our students during this tough time.”
They certainly did, and the staff at the Foundation was moved.
“I was astounded by the outpouring of gifts to support our students and faculty,” Young said. “I am deeply grateful that our New College community of alumni, faculty, staff and community friends always respond when we ask. It’s awe-inspiring, especially in these challenging times.”
For more information about New College Foundation, call 941-487-4800 or visit ncf.edu/alumni-and-friends