The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Foundation has launched a society to recognize its leading donors and has announced that the 2000 Annual Fund campaign exceeded its goal for unrestricted giving by more than $30,000.

The foundation had set $202,400 as last year�s target for university-wide gifts, (gifts that are not designated by donors for a specific purpose, but are distributed where needs are greatest). As of the end of December, the campaign actually raised more than $235,000. Each year a portion of the unrestricted funding goes directly to the colleges and other units on campus to be used for special projects such as tutoring programs, renovations, travel to national conferences and research studies, among others.

The Old Main Society was the name chosen for the new group, which recognizes and rewards the leading donors to the Annual Fund. An unrestricted gift of $1,000 or more qualifies people and businesses for membership. In the first year of its existence, the society had a goal of enrolling 24 members but actually achieved membership of 43 individuals members and businesses. Income from society members was more than $98,500, about a third of the campaign�s total income.

Adding gifts that are restricted by donors, such as pledges to specific scholarships and departments, the 2000 Annual Fund campaign raised a total of more than $298,000. About 5,200 donors contributed to the effort.

Director of Annual Giving Peg Zwicker says that UWSP students played a key role in the campaign�s success. About 25 students contacted UWSP alumni during a 12-week phonathon, which ended December 13. During that time, callers reached more than 15,000 alumni and secured pledges totaling $129,000.

"These annual gifts reflect the positive and ongoing relationship between the foundation�s donors and the university and the foundation�s continuing mission to support UWSP," says Executive Director Bruce Froehlke.

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