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4 St. Jerome's College Annual Fund exceeds goal DESPITE THE PROLONGED economic recession, St. Jerome's College saw an 18% increase in donations during its 1992-93 Annual Fund Appeal, which ended on April 30. The College raised $298,000 in receipted cash gifts from over 1,000 donors, up from $252,000 a year earlier. In addition, pledges exceeded $50,000 during the same period. The 1992-93 goal was $265,000. In its annual appeal, the College sought the support of graduates, faculty, staff, students, parents of students, and members of the Catholic community-at-large for projects which included scholarships and bursaries for students, handicapped accessibility, library renovations, and new faculty hirings. "We are enormously grateful for the widespread support we have received," comments College President Dr. Doug Letson, "both for the financial need which it meets and for the moral support it represents. Such personal sacrifice and commitment on the part of our donors has affirmed our work in Catholic higher education." The overall Annual Fund Appeal was chaired by Andre Anderson, retired Vice-President of The Mutual Group and long-time St. Jerome's volunteer. "Given the hard economic times people are facing," he observes, "we are very proud of the generosity of the many people who supported our appeal. This speaks well of the high regard in which St. Jerome's College is held in the community and among its graduates." Adds Graduates' Association Fund Chair and political scientist Dr. Terry Downey (BA '66), "the results show that our graduates and friends take pride in the accomplishments of the College and have an appreciation for its needs at this time." Fifty volunteers assisted St. Jerome's in its appeal by canvassing 3 to 5 prospective donors each, reports Director of Development Rob Donelson. He notes that of the nearly $298,000 raised, more than $140,000 was designated to the general Scholarship/Bursary Fund and to named awards. Eight new scholarship/bursaries were created during the appeal. This year's fundraising efforts have also made possible the instalment of a personal access lift in the J.R. Finn Residence. That, combined with a three-storey elevator currently under construction in the St. Jerome's classroom building, will make the College completely accessible to people with physical disabilities. Merrill Lynch Canada has donated a security system which will be installed in the newly-renovated College library. As well, numerous additions to the library's collection have been made and research equipment has been purchased through the generosity of the Waterloo Region Catholic Community Foundation. The major donors to this year's fund appeal included Merrill Lynch Canada Inc., The Diocese of Pembroke, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton, The First Echo Group Inc., The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, and the Waterloo Region Catholic Community Foundation among others, and several individuals, including nearly 70 members of the College's President's Committee (donors of $1,000 or more per year). St. Jerome's students donated over $10,000 through a voluntary development fee, and the graduating class of 1993 has pledged over $2,000 in support of scholarships and bursaries. 0 Planned Giving committee established GIVEN THE REALITIES of reduced government funding and recognizing the need for long-term support over and above annual donations, St. Jerome's College has established a planned giving committee to assist in creating a program to ensure the College's future strength and fiscal viability. A growing area of interest in Canadian philanthropy, planned giving provides donors with an opportunity during their lifetime, and upon their death, to provide longterm security for a charitable cause to which they are dedicated. Through gifts of life insurance, bequests, annuities, real estate and other means, donors can make a substantial contribution to the College far beyond their normal giving capacity. Planned giving also enables a donor to honour their name or the name of a loved one in perpetuity. The committee is chaired by former St. Jerome's Annual Fund Chair and retired Vice-President of The Mutual Group, Andre Anderson. It includes St. Jerome's graduates Paul Denomme (BA '70), Senior Partner at Peat Marwick Thorne in Waterloo; Brian Freiburger (BA '83), Senior Accounts Manager at Canada Trust in Kitchener; Doug Jack (BA '80), Partner at Wilson, Jack & Grant, Barristers and Solicitors in Fergus; and community representatives Joe Kennedy and Denis Turenne of The Mutual Group. St. Jerome's Director of Development Rob Donelson also serves on the committee. Watch the pages of Update! in the months to come for more details on planned giving opportunities for graduates and friends of the College. 0 Attention bard lovers! The annual SJC Stratford Excursion will take place on Saturday, October 23, 1993. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for a backstage tour, buffet lunch, lecture by Ted McGee, and matinee performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Tickets are limited. Watch for more details in the fall issue of Update! Class of '93 pledges over $2,000 THE ST. JEROME'S GRADUATING CLASS OF 1993 has generously carried on a recent tradition of making a three-year pledge upon their graduation to the College's Scholarship/Bursary Fund. This year marks the fourth year of the program, which has garnered over $12,000 in its short history. Students were asked to make a $225 pledge, payable in three instalments, commencing one year after their graduation. The first instalment is $50, the second is $75, and the third is $100. "I am impressed by the level of commitment from our graduating class," acknowledges College President Dr. Doug Letson. "Their support is needed if we are to continue to provide a first-rate education for future students." 0