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Strong momentum evident in Connecticut College fundraising results

July 30, 2007

Connecticut College has announced strong 2006-2007 fundraising results, fueled by an increase in alumni participation and a record-breaking annual giving achievement.

"The financial support and increase in participation clearly indicate what we´ve always known: that our extended community understands the value of a Connecticut College education and wants to support the college as its students and alumni continue to impact the world," said President Leo I. Higdon Jr. "We are very pleased with these results, which will help us continue to advance the college, and we look forward to building on these results next year."

Annual giving, which provides immediate support for the college´s operating expenses, totaled a record $4.7 million. All together, the college received gifts from 9,500 alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends. Forty-five percent of alumni supported the college financially this year, up from 42 percent the previous year.

The college raised $18.5 million in new gifts and pledges from individuals, a 70-percent increase from the previous year, which drove the overall fundraising results to $21.3 million.

The college´s 2006-07 fundraising success includes significant gifts in support of several of the college´s top strategic priorities:

- $1 million to transform one of the college´s largest classrooms

- $1 million for financial aid

- $3 million for faculty research

- $5.85 million for the Ammerman Center for Arts & Technology, the Annual Fund and scholarships

- $1 million unrestricted funds to be applied, as appropriate, to strategic priorities. "This tremendous philanthropy demonstrates that Connecticut College alumni, parents and friends are deeply committed to our educational mission. We are inspired by this generosity and know that these gifts will help transform the college," said Gregory T. Waldron, vice president for College Advancement.

Higdon, who completed his first year as President on July 1, has visited with alumni from California to Maine, and Florida to Minnesota. His energy and enthusiasm for the college, combined with his strong business acumen, continue to inspire alumni as they relate their own lives and achievements to their liberal arts education.

"The liberal arts are the best preparation for life, and our graduates are changing the world. The education they get at Connecticut College helps make that possible," said Higdon. "Every time I meet with alumni, I am inspired anew by their generosity, their achievements, and the distinct ways they´ve used their liberal arts education to impact their larger communities."

For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu