The Parents' Fund
Parents' Fund Supports Courtyard Renovation Project >full story
About The Parents' Fund | FAQ's
About The Parents' Fund
The Parents' Fund is an important component of Meredith's fundraising efforts. Part of The Meredith Fund, The Parents' Fund provides much needed unrestricted dollars that are used to address the most pressing needs of the College.
Past Gifts
2004-2005
Gifts supported the repair of security phones.
2005-2006
Gifts supported the renovation of the Heck Fountain
2006-2007
Gifts supported the beautification of McIver Amphitheater
The Parents' Fund consistently finds projects on campus to improve the quality of life for Meredith students, faculty and staff. This year gifts to The Parents' Fund are funding a new sitting area in the quad between Heilman, Poteat, Barefoot and Faircloth Residence Halls. The addition of a seating wall, garden and fire-pit to the courtyard would greatly enhance the visual quality of the area and provide a convenient space to study and socialize. The new area would also provide for an improved venue for traditional student activities and ceremonies such as Cornhuskin’ and Fire and Water.
We hope to be able to accomplish this, but to do so we will need your support. Our goal is to have 300 parents give a gift of at least $25.00. This year we will have a plaque at the site of the project. For a gift of $100 or above, you may list a person on the plaque. This is a great way to honor your daughter or someone who has made your daughter’s experience possible.
As a parent, you are acutely aware of the value of your daughter's education. Please help us make Meredith as strong as possible by supporting the Parents' Fund today. If you have any questions regarding The Parents' Fund, please contact Jane Mitchell, director of The Parents' Fund at parentsfund@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8060.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Meredith Fund answers your questions and addresses your concerns about The Parents' Fund.
Question: What exactly is The Parents' Fund and why am I asked for an annual gift?
Answer: The Parents' Fund of Meredith College is the vehicle through which parents make unrestricted gifts to the College. It provides much needed unrestricted funds that allow the College to address the most pressing needs on campus—priorities such as student aid, faculty development and residence hall maintenance. Gifts to The Parents' Fund are unique. They have the power to stretch across campus, positively affecting each and every student, faculty, and staff member.
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Question: Why does the College need my support when tuition prices have risen?
Answer: On average, the actual cost for a student to attend Meredith is $3,000 more than the cost of tuition. The Parents' Fund helps to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a student attending the College.
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Question: Which is more important, the size of my gift or the fact that I participate in giving?
Answer: When it comes to the act of giving—size doesn't matter. Meredith appreciates all gifts and values your support. Donor participation is a powerful indication of the strength of a college.
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Question: Why is donor participation a powerful indication of the strength of a college?
Answer: Donor participation affects Meredith College's ranking in publications such as the "U.S. News & World Report." This publication is widely read by prospective students and their families. Corporations and foundations also look at donor participation to decide if Meredith is an institution that they would like to support.
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Question: Can I make a gift in honor of my daughter?
Answer: Yes! If you give a gift in honor of your daughter, she will receive a note from the Office of Institutional Advancement notifying her that a gift has been made in her honor. Your names will also be listed in our annual Honor Roll of Donors. Giving a gift to Meredith College is a great way to show your daughter that you support her education and believe in the institution.
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Parents' Fund Supports Courtyard Renovation Project
By Melyssa Allen
A major transformation has been taking place this spring in the outdoor space between Belk Dining Hall and Johnson Hall. Supported by The Parents' Fund, the Grounds Department is working to renovate the courtyard area surrounding the Fannie E.S. Heck Fountain.
The fountain's "location at the heart of campus made it an ideal project for The Parents' Fund to support," said Grounds Manager Aaron Schettler, who designed the new courtyard.
The redesign will create a nicer gathering space for the campus community, especially during special events. The team has a goal of completing the project in time for commencement on May 14.
The fountain area previously lacked seating and was surrounded by overgrown holly bushes. The new space will solve both of these issues by featuring a low seating wall around the radius of the fountain and by removing the holly bushes and replacing them with more inviting plants. Large planter boxes will feature plantings such as Angel's Trumpets and seasonal items.
A surrounding stone patio is being added and there will also be a circular sidewalk, matching Meredith's existing sidewalks, along the outside of the patio. Lights are being added to the inside of the fountain, which is also being repaired. The space will also include landscape lights on featured plants.
The Parents' Fund is a part of The Meredith Fund. Jane Mitchell, director of The Parents' Fund, is leading the fundraising effort. The goal is to raise $30,000 by June 30. To date, more than $25,000 has been raised. A dedication ceremony is planned for Family Weekend next fall.
The courtyard renovation is "a way for parents to support Meredith beyond tuition and to fund a specific project," Mitchell said.
For more information or to support the courtyard renovation project, contact Jane Mitchell at mitchelj@meredith.edu or 919-760-8060.
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