Thank you for investing in Wabash College’s students. For the second consecutive year Wabash College alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends contributed over $3,000,000 to the Annual Fund.

 

A $3.125 Annual Fund is a tremendous accomplishment under any circumstances. It is an especially significant achievement in these current economic times. When your alma mater needed you, you were there.

 

Thanks to your generosity, Wabash was able to help a large number of its students weather some unexpected financial aid difficulties. This year the Indiana legislature passed a budget that reduced the maximum amount of state funded need-based financial aid awarded to individual students. About 250 of our incoming and returning students learned in mid-July that they would have less financial aid than expected for the 2009-2010 academic year — a shortfall of more than $500,000.

 

Wabash responded quickly, revising Indiana students’ financial aid packages and making up the difference with College funds. Students did not have to take on additional personal or family financial obligations.

 

We were able to help our young men because you helped us reach our Annual Fund goal. That is just one example of the many ways in which your gifts directly support our students and faculty.

 

Our work is not complete. Wabash needs your unrestricted gifts year in and year out. For the first time in four fiscal years, this year’s Honor Roll of Donors is smaller than last year’s. These uncertain times require that more of us step forward and make a gift to our alma mater.

 

As you read through this year’s Honor Roll, identify a classmate, fraternity brother, friend, or neighbor whose name is missing and invite him to stand up and be counted with you in 2009-2010.

 

There is strength in numbers and we need as many Wabash men as possible to step forward and invest in their alma mater. I commend you for setting an example for your fellow alumni with your gift in 2008-2009.

 

On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff please accept our thanks and gratitude for your generous financial gifts and commitment of time for our College. You are all Some Little Giants!

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph R. Emmick ’92

Dean for Advancement