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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The past year has been another exciting year for your Foundation as momentum is gathering for fund-raising for the University. There are several factors contributing to our current fund-raising success.

  • Our contributors continue to be strongly motivated to endow scholarships for our worthy students. Many of our donors remember with gratitude receiving scholarship support that made the essential difference for them to complete their studies.
  • Our recent launching of an endowment program for faculty excellence has generated considerable interest and gifts. Our alumni and friends recognize the critical need for Shepherd to retain, reward, and attract distinguished faculty for Shepherd students.
  • Our new president, Dr. Suzanne Shipley, is actively engaged in the fund-raising process. She brings considerable enthusiasm, experience, and commitment to this aspect of her job. She recognizes the need for the president to be active in this area and is providing excellent leadership to the fund-raising activities.
  • Shepherd University and the Foundation have joined in partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) to raise funds to enhance this important cultural aspect of our university and community.

    • On the other hand, it is not the time to sit back and relax. The uncertainty of the U.S. economy is of concern as it poses a potential downside for both our investment returns and gift-giving on behalf of our alumni, faculty, and friends. Adding to this level of uncertainty is the continuing reduction in the amount of funding provided by the state of West Virginia. The University is only receiving 22 percent of the funds needed to operate at the standards we need to achieve in order to excel.

    While we cannot predict the outcome of the U.S. economy, we are pleased to report that last year our board authorized the investment committee to retain an independent financial management advisory company to aid in our carrying out of our fiduciary responsibilities to our donors. The integration of their services is going very well and is quite beneficial in helping us manage our portfolio of investments to achieve better returns while maintaining an acceptable risk level. You can be assured that when you contribute, your hard-earned money is being properly managed for the purpose you intended.

    As to the declining state support, each of us will have to play an ever-increasing role to make certain Shepherd University is able to deliver on its commitment to make a high-quality college education affordable and accessible. Those of you with the ability to step up your level of support are strongly encouraged to get in touch with either the Foundation or the Advancement Office to explore the needs and opportunities for giving. Likewise for those who are considering their first gift, please get in touch with either of these offices.

    We would be delighted to review with you the many giving opportunities for establishing an endowed scholarship or faculty excellence fund or enhancing the annual fund or the CATF program.

    Together, we will create the future for Shepherd University!

    Ramon A. Alvarez '62, President
    Shepherd University Foundation
    Shepherd University Foundation | P.O. Box 5000 | Shepherdstown, West Virginia | 25443-5000 | 304-876-5397 | 800-344-5231 | FAX 304-876-5004