Thank a Donor Day Highlights Philanthropy

Meredith College held its second annual Thank a Donor Day on February 24, 2016, sponsored by the 1891 Club. The goal of the day is to help students and the campus community understand the importance of philanthropy.

A thank you card signing in the Cate Center attracted approximately 100 students signing 300 cards. Signs were also posted around campus to highlight different gifts by donors, so students could see how all donors contribute to Meredith. In addition, treat bags were taken by 1891 Club members to say thank you to faculty and staff offices with 100% giving participation.

The College is grateful for donors, many of whom are faculty and staff, with 71% giving participation in 2015-2016. Thank a Donor day also followed the first Make It Count for Meredith Giving Day, which raised $283,052 from 1,791 donors.

“It is so rewarding to see the moment when a student truly realizes the wonderful gifts given for all of us and to see the difference it makes in their thoughts about philanthropy,” said Halie Sue Clifton, assistant director of The Meredith Fund. “We also enjoy getting to highlight our wonderful donors.”

The 1891 Club started in 2014 and has already grown to 371 student members. The members promote involvement with alumnae through networking and programming, philanthropy on campus, and learn as students the importance of giving.

Signs placed around campus highlighted donor gifts and the Beyond Strong │Campaign for Meredith priorities. The College thanks all the donors below for making a difference in the lives of students and the campus community.

Educational Excellence

• The Meredith Autism Program (MAP) sensory room brought to you by a grant from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation
• MAP technology improvements and preschool classroom by Mary Harmelink ’94 endowment.
• iPads for all children and staff and new camera/video monitoring system in the Meredith Autism Program by the Mosca Endowment.
• Learning Center improvements by generous donors
• Pottery wheels, kilns, and other materials by Asha Agarwal
• Revitalization of the Wings Program by generous donors

Enrollment

• $8.5 million in Legacy (full ride) scholarships by generous donors
• $3 million for Byrum Scholars by Porter Byrum
• $2.1 million in scholarships for 2015-16 by generous donors

Facilities and Technology

• Johnson Hall Renovations by the Jud Ammons family in memory of Jo Ellen Ammons, ʼ57
• Renovated Executive Suite by Bobbitt Clay Williams ’57 and Bill Williams
• Johnson Hall alcove areas by Class of ’63 for their 50th Reunion.
• New Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Project by The Parents Fund
• New Lighting Board by Betsy Best Phillips, ʼ71
• Newly renovated restrooms by the Classes of 1962 and 1963
• Raised Sidewalk by the Class of 2011 Senior Class Gift
• Sidewalk brought to you by Class of 2014 for their Senior Class Gift
• Landscaping & gazebo improvements by Class of 1977 in memory of Ellen Rumley.
• Belk Dining Hall patio and renovations by our partners at Aramark
• Belk Dining Hall restroom renovations by Betsy Best Phillips, ʼ71
• Courtyard landscaping by Class of 1962
• Cate Center renovations by The Parents Fund
• Volleyball courts and conversation pits by The Parents Fund
• “Double Trouble” honorary bench by generous donors
• Daisy Garden brought to you by Class of 2013 for their Senior Class Gift
• Garden Benches by the Class of 1983
• Landscaping improvements by Michelle Rich Goode, ʼ73 (for the landscaping in front of the Faircloth gate)
• Magnolia Collection by Ruby McSwain, ʼ54
• Steinway Pianos by Bob Lewis
• Playground for the Meredith Autism Program by the James & Mildred Wilkinson Charitable Trust

—Submitted by Emily Parker, Campaign Communications Manager