A Strong Financial Future

Pitzer College’s fundraising efforts continued to set records in 2005–06. Led by generous members of the Board of Trustees, more than 3,100 alumni, parents, faculty and staff, friends, and organizations contributed to the College for a wide range of vital projects. The number of donors at the President’s Circle level ($1,000 and above) has increased by 59 percent during the past five years, while total contributions to the Annual Fund have increased by 32 percent, reaching an all-time high in 2005–06 of $1,436,000 raised in a single year.

Pitzer is currently raising funds for the Residential Life Project, which includes nearing the completion of three residence halls and programming to improve the on-campus experience for students. In 2005–06, the College raised $3,700,000 in new pledges for the project, bringing the total funds raised to date to more than $15 million of the anticipated $18 million goal.

Mirroring the financial security realized through a maturing fundraising program, the College’s endowment has also experienced significant growth during the past five years, increasing by 83 percent to its current market value of $86.3 million in spite of significant market volatility. This growth is attributed to a combination of new gifts to support the endowment as well as careful attention to prudent, long-term investment strategies. Pitzer also realized substantial growth in 2006 when it received its largest gift to date—$15 million from the estate of Roger C. Holden, one of the College’s early trustees. Collective gifts received throughout the year help the College achieve key initiatives such as strengthening its academic programs and funding student scholarships.