Annual Giving
John T. Wilson '65
"I have given to the WPI Annual Fund each year for nearly 20 years because I have WPI to thank for where I am today. I am happy to continue the tradition of philanthropy, in gratitude for the past and as an investment in the future."
John T. Wilson '65
Chair, Annual Fund Board
Member, President's Circle
Why make a gift?
Since its founding almost 150 years ago, philanthropy has been at the center of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This tradition can be traced back to 1865 when John Boynton first sought to create a scientific school for citizens of Worcester.
WPI has remained true to Boynton's vision of an educational institution that would provide opportunities that he had been denied. His spirit and the spirit of many other selfless benefactors lives on through the generosity of alumni just like you. You have all helped WPI be a model for change in higher education. Pioneering the outcome-based approach to undergraduate education has been widely recognized as a uniquely effective method for preparing young men and women for success in life and work. However, this kind of education requires numerous resources. Demonstrate your commitment to helping today's WPI students by making a gift today.
It is your participation in giving each year — not the amount of your gift — that really counts.
What is the alumni giving participation rate and why is it so important?
The alumni giving participation rate is the percentage of alumni who make a charitable gift – of any size – to their alma mater during a given year. It is so important because it is one of the variables factored into the national collegiate rankings produced by U.S. News & World Report and other publications.
A higher alumni giving participation rate can help WPI advance in the rankings. When the university is ranked more highly, each degree holds even greater value and prestige.
At WPI, the alumni giving participation rate has ranged between 15-20 percent during the last few years. Some peer institutions have experienced alumni giving participation rates as high as 37 percent, so it is vitally important that the WPI alumni community supports the university every year.
Alumni participation in giving is the only measurable "vote of confidence" in your experiences and the education you received at WPI, as well as the way in which the university prepared you for your career and beyond, which is why it is a factor in the U.S. News and World Report ranking. Such national rankings help to:
- attract and retain the best and brightest students and faculty;
- increase the value of your degree, and;
- help the university secure funding from other alumni, corporations and foundations.
The alumni participation rate does not measure a total dollar amount, but rather the total percentage of alumni who give. When it comes to alumni giving participation, $5 is just as important and counts as much as $5,000!
What do gifts to the WPI Annual Fund specifically support?
Everything. Unrestricted gifts support WPI's highest priorities and allow the university to respond to emerging needs. They ensure our ability to enroll outstanding students regardless of their financial circumstances, attract and retain the finest faculty, build and restore state-of-the-art living and learning facilities on our beautiful campus, and expand and sustain a comprehensive range of academic programs. As an example, the highly individualized attention students receive at WPI is a major factor in the success of WPI students on campus, and after graduation and the unmatched low student-to-faculty ratio is made possible because of financial support from individual donors.
If you haven't done so already, please consider making your gift to the WPI Annual Fund today.
How do I make a gift to WPI?
Online
To make a gift online, use the secure online form.
You may send your check, payable to WPI, to:
Office of Annual Giving
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609-2280
Phone
To make a gift or pledge by phone, or for all questions, please call 1-508-831-6052 or toll free 1-877-WPI-FUND (1-877-974-3863).
Gift of Securities
To make a gift of securities, please go to the Gift of Stock page.
Last modified: January 08, 2010 09:49:45