The FAMU Freshman Class of 2000 recently made a $273,447.46 gift to the university to celebrate their 20threunion, during what would have been homecoming week last month. Three hundred and eleven members of the class combined together to make the gift.
The gift was the largest class contribution to date, said Brandi Tatum, assistant vice president in the Division of University Advancement.
“The Freshman Class of 2000 has raised the most money out of the affinity groups and this is very compelling because it was done during a pandemic,” Tatum said.
The previous record was set by the Freshman Class of 1999 who raised $204,00 during homecoming 2019. The success of that effort has spurred a friendly competition among the various cohorts.
“Our gift is going to directly fund the University’s core needs and priorities,” said Roshell R. Rinkins, senior director of grants administration at the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, served as the fundraising chair for the Freshman Class of 2000.
Members also created a private Facebook page and a public Instagram page to share updates and to connect with the class during the campaign.
The campaign received a major boost when the Knight Foundation offered a challenge grant to match donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000.
“That sparked great class engagement and amplified our efforts to push us closer to our goal,” Rinkins added. “We are proud that this is the largest class gift in the University’s history.”
The gift was the largest class contribution to date, said Brandi Tatum, assistant vice president in the Division of University Advancement.
“The Freshman Class of 2000 has raised the most money out of the affinity groups and this is very compelling because it was done during a pandemic,” Tatum said.
The previous record was set by the Freshman Class of 1999 who raised $204,00 during homecoming 2019. The success of that effort has spurred a friendly competition among the various cohorts.
“Our gift is going to directly fund the University’s core needs and priorities,” said Roshell R. Rinkins, senior director of grants administration at the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, served as the fundraising chair for the Freshman Class of 2000.
Members also created a private Facebook page and a public Instagram page to share updates and to connect with the class during the campaign.
The campaign received a major boost when the Knight Foundation offered a challenge grant to match donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000.
“That sparked great class engagement and amplified our efforts to push us closer to our goal,” Rinkins added. “We are proud that this is the largest class gift in the University’s history.”