UW officials estimate that private support to the University of Washington totaled $150.3 million for 1996-97. Although that figure is slightly lower than last year’s record of $154.6 million, the good news, according to Vice President for Development Marilyn Dunn, is that alumni giving rose substantially. Records show that 21,886 alumni made gifts totaling $24 million to the University, an increase of 10 percent in the number of alumni donors and 33 percent in dollars contributed compared to 1995-96.
“This increased giving is wonderfully encouraging,” says Dunn. “But even more important is that alumni are investing in current students, faculty and programs. Everyone who gives to the University shares in the success of the people their gifts help.”
For the first time in the University’s history, bequests received in a single year totaled nearly $10 million. Among these gifts was $85,664 from the late Helen Johns, a librarian who headed the UW Libraries’ circulation division from 1930-1958. Johns’ bequest created an endowed fund in her name to support professional development activities such as conferences and workshops for Libraries staff.
Beginning this year, alumni and friends who provide for such a future gift to the University through a will, trust, life insurance policy or retirement plan will be recognized as members of the newly announced Henry Suzzallo Society.
“For many years we have wanted to do something to thank people during their lifetimes for including the University in their estate plans,” says Dunn. “That’s the purpose of the Henry Suzzallo Society. Anyone who provides a future gift to any UW program will be included.”
Suzzallo was president of the UW from 1915-1926. Several major gifts came to the University during his tenure, including funds from Horace C. Henry to build the Henry Art Gallery and a gift from Agnes Healy Anderson to build Anderson Hall. For information on the Henry Suzzallo Society, call (206) 685-1001 or toll-free 1-800-284-3679.