Where's The Money?
Alumni Donations at Plymouth
Students are very aware of the rising cost of attending college. As with any university, PSU depends on alumni donations and support to try and keep costs low, and to pay for different projects across campus, such as renovations or student scholarships. Yet compared to other universities, PSU ranks within the 40th percentile of funds received by alumni or friends of the university.
Sally Holland, the Vice President for the Office of Advancement, explained the different factors as to why that is. "Compared to other universities, Plymouth's alumni support program is relatively new, and as such, it's still growing. We're also trying to build a better system to keep track of over 35,000 people, whether they are alumni, or friends of the university, such as former faculty, family members of alumni, or what not."
Part of the reason the program is relatively young has to do with economics. With the economic downturn affecting every state's budget, many states have had to cut back. This included the state of New Hampshire's legislature cutting the budget to the University System of New Hampshire. "In the past, state institutions received more money from the state, so they did not need to reach out as much as a private school, said Holland."However, we're clearly living in a different world now."
While alumni donations are lower compared to similar universities, such as Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, it does not mean that PSU's alumni program is having issues bringing in money. "Based off of our growth, we are doing quite well. Last year, we raised 27% more money than the year before. We expect that in a few years, we'll have an incredibly strong program in place. Like any major project, it all has to start small."
Though gifts to the University seem to be the more traditional way that Alumni help their alma mater, the alumni at PSU appear to have taken the Plymouth State motto "Ut Prosim" to heart. "When we talked to our alumni, 40% of the PSU alumni reporting in a recent survey said that they want their financial gift to be used for student scholarships. We also found out that many of the alumni would love to volunteer and help the current students at Plymouth," said Holland. "34% of the alumni said that they would greatly enjoy helping students with things related to career development."
With the alumni showing support for their university, Holland has hopes for the university's funding for the future, and says there is something to be learned from the alumni. "Never underestimate the power of one, or of the group. Everyone has the power to help the university, whether it be volunteering, or even giving five dollars. Everyone has the power and the desire to help the students."
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More theclockonline News Articles
- The Afrofutures of Feminism: Young, Gifted, and Black
- A Weekend of Darkness
- Elizabeth Warren Visits PSU
- Freedom of Speech at PSU
Recent theclockonline News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR THECLOCKONLINE
Campton Elementary School 8th Grade Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner By Rebecca Tgibedes
Will You? By Isabelle Elsasser
Summer in the Sunflowers By Emily Holleran
Student Spotlight: Sabrina Siegel By Justine Walsh
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THECLOCKONLINE NEWS
RECENT THECLOCKONLINE CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK