The first Park Alumni Society fundraiser surpasses goals and sets a stage for continued alumni support.

The Park Alumni Society’s first fundraiser—created to mark the 10-year anniversary of the program and coincide with the completion of the Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center—was a huge success.

In less than a year, the PAS raised almost $40,000 toward its two initiatives supporting the NC State Alumni Association’s Campaign for Excellence and a new study abroad grant for Park Scholars.

Campaign for Excellence for the Park Alumni Center

What began as a $10,000 drive to earn each class recognition in the building’s donor plaza, netted more than $30,000 for the new Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center. Slated to open this fall, the Alumni Center will house office space and other facilities for the Park Scholarships program. Alumni will have a chance to view the new digs at this fall’s 10-year gala.

Many alumni chose to take advantage of the Alumni Association’s lifetime membership offer and they will also be recognized in the donor plaza. Every alumni class lent its support (see class breakdown).

Park Alumni Society Study Abroad Grants

In addition to raising funds for the building, the board established a long-term fundraising project to support a study abroad grant for current Park Scholars. Alumni responded to this campaign quite favorably, donating almost $9,000 this year, and surpassing the original $6,000 goal.

During the 2006-2007 academic year, between 5 and 8 grants of $500 will be awarded to current Park Scholars to help defray travel expenses. As the fund grows with additional fundraising, more gifts will be awarded each year.

A Strong Show of Support

While the fundraising campaign surpassed both of its monetary goals, it fell short of it’s 50% participation goal, with 22% of alumni contributing. However, for such a young group, the success overall bodes well for future efforts.

While the PAS Campaign for Excellence officially ended July 1, 2006, the Study Abroad Grants will be an on-going project for the alumni society. If you’re interested in becoming involved, please contact fundraising@parkscholars.org.

For a full fundraising report, visit our Progress Page.