$19.3M in Gift Pledges Sets Third-Year Record
10/17/2013
By Nichole Carter
University supporters, alumni and friends attended the third annual Celebration of Philanthropy, a series of events dedicated to honoring the University’s most generous benefactors and those who have given at a leadership level of $1,000 or more over the last fiscal year.
UMass Lowell had plenty to celebrate during the two-day event, which took place Oct. 10 and 11. During FY 2013, the University experienced the third consecutive record-fundraising year, with $19.3 million in gifts in pledges.
“The generosity of our donors has helped us to meet new benchmarks in excellence including opening six new buildings on campus, a climb in U.S. News & World Report rankings and continued endowment growth. We are meeting 91 percent of student financial need, thanks in large part to support from alumni and friends of the university,” says Chancellor Marty Meehan.
The Chancellor’s Leadership Society Dinner recognized those who have given $1,000 or more to the University during the last year, and eight individuals and couples were inducted into the University’s lifetime giving societies: the Circle of Distinction, the Circle of Prestige and the Circle of Honor. At the Circle of Distinction level, honorees included Jeffrey Cosiol ’67 and Richard ’91 (H) and Nancy ’13 (H) Donahue. At the Circle of Prestige level, honorees included: Leo Montagna ’70, ’77; Anil and Abha ’88 Singhal; and Francis ’66 and Mary Jo ’66 Spinola. And, at the Circle of Honor level, honorees included: Edward ’58 and Carole Barrett; Lorenzo Cabrera ’94; and Luis Pedroso. (https://web.uml.edu/gallery/index.php/Alumni_001/A-Celebration-of-Philanthropy---Chancellor-s-Leadership-Society-Reception-Dinner-10-10-13)
UMass Lowell employees who have contributed to the Faculty Staff Endowment Program at leadership levels were also recognized for their dedication and loyalty. Their contributions have totaled over $1.5 million.
The Celebration of Scholarship luncheon, held the following day, brought together individuals who have endowed scholarships and students who have received aid through those funds. More than 100 students, representing over 60 scholarships were in attendance. During the 2012-13 academic year, 1,000 students were awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. This is a 33 percent increase in scholarship funding to 15 percent more students than the year before.
The Celebration of Philanthropy came to a close with the hockey home opener at the Tsongas Center, where the River Hawks competed against the Sacred Heart University Pioneers.
“The Celebration of Philanthropy is an opportunity for UMass Lowell to honor its supporters, alumni and friends and to demonstrate the critical impact of their investment. Because of their generosity, our students have the opportunity to excel and the University is flourishing,” says Edward Chiu, vice chancellor of the Office of University Advancement.