A letter from the President

THANK YOU!

The news could not be more heartening or more awe-inspiring. The Vassar 150: World Changing campaign, which concluded as of midnight last night, surpassed our $400 million goal. While the totals are not quite final, as of this morning our records indicate that we have raised $430 million to support our campaign objectives. Without your help, we never could have done it.

As gratifying as it is to reach and exceed a numerical target, it is the meaning of those numbers that is so important. Because of your support, and the support of other alumnae/i, parents and friends, you make possible the superb liberal arts education, encompassing the humanities, social and natural sciences and the arts, that our College has offered its students since the days of Matthew Vassar. Among many things, we have dramatically increased both the absolute number and the percentage of students who are able to have access to the richness of a Vassar education through dedicated scholarship support. We have broken ground on an Integrated Science Center that will bring our College’s science facilities into the 21st century. And we – you – have greatly strengthened Vassar’s Annual Fund, which plays such a vital part in ensuring the quality of the entire Vassar experience.

I truly cannot say enough to express my appreciation. All of this has been made possible through the generosity of thousands of members of the Vassar community who have given of their time, talent and treasure. In particular, an active and able campaign committee, under the incredible, peerless, tireless leadership of Campaign Chair Barbara Manfrey Vogelstein ’76 and her equally energetic and dedicated vice chairs, Patricia Parton Rosenwald ’56 and Missie Rennie Taylor ’68, has been key in making all the difference between, as Barbara likes to put it, “a great campaign for Vassar and merely a good one.” In fulfilling this mission, the committee has been well and fully supported by the Vassar Board of Trustees under the inspired leadership of William A. Plapinger ’74. Faculty, staff and students have also played a pivotal role. The Office of Alumnae/i Affairs and Development deserves special recognition for the commitment that every member of its staff demonstrated toward making the Campaign a success. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of these individuals, and to you.

It’s a great day for Vassar to move forward into the future, thanks to you!

Catharine Hill
President