Where's The Money?

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."