E-mail this pageFrequently Asked Questions About the Bright With Promise Campaign
Why is SUNY Plattsburgh embarking on a fundraising campaign?
The outlook for higher education in many respects is troubling: competition is fierce from public as well as private colleges, there are fewer and fewer high school graduates, and there is significant financial pressure from all sides. However, SUNY Plattsburgh has enjoyed strong support over the years from alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents and students. When you combine this high level of loyalty with the momentum that that college is experiencing on many fronts, there could be no better time to ask everyone with a stake in SUNY Plattsburgh to rise to this challenge. This campaign was launched to take advantage of the synergy of the college's current situation and the loyalty and dedication of our many supporters. Our effort is also a part of the State University of New York $3 Billion Challenge: sixty-four campuses, one vision.
What are the goals of the campaign?
The primary goal is to raise money for endowed student scholarships. If more scholarship opportunities are created, then more students will have access to a SUNY Plattsburgh education. Also, the more money raised for endowed scholarships means that the college can rely on this type of support to offer competitive scholarships as opposed to using operational funds (which are then freed up for other purposes). The campaign has secondary goals to raise unrestricted gifts through the Plattsburgh Fund. These gifts can be used for various student life and academic enrichment projects as well as general scholarship aid from year to year. Finally, some funds will be raised to enhance the college's physical plant and meet equipment needs.
Why are endowed scholarships important?
Endowed scholarships are especially important because they are "perpetual" gifts. In other words, a gift of endowed scholarship becomes part of the college's overall endowment, earning interest over time. The principal of the gift remains intact but the a portion of the income generated by that fund is used for scholarship awards. As a long-term investment, the fund will grow (along with any other contributions made to that fund) and provide an ongoing source of support for future generations of students.
How do I make a gift to the campaign?
There are numerous ways to make a gift, the easiest being a gift by check or credit card. You can also use the college's secure website to make a gift online, or you can call (800) 964-1889. The college also conducts annual phonathons and direct mail campaigns. Making a gift either way is also more than welcome. To learn more about other giving options, visit Ways of Giving.
Does my annual gift count toward the campaign?
Yes. All gifts to the college until the end of the campaign on June 30, 2011, count towards the overall campaign goal.
How does SUNY Plattsburgh protect my information and privacy?
The Office of Institutional Advancement acquires information about SUNY Plattsburgh constituents - alumni, students, parents, corporations, foundations and friends - that may be confidential and/or highly sensitive. Institutional Advancement staff, staff in other areas, faculty and volunteers, who are authorized recipients of confidential and/or sensitive information are responsible for protecting the privacy of our constituents. Read full confidentiality policy.
What else?
Do you have a question about the Bright with Promise Campaign? Submit your question here. If appropriate, we will add it to this FAQ document to help others better understand this important initiative.
Contact Information
For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh's Bright With Promise campaign, please contact:
Anne Whitmore Hansen
Executive Director, Plattsburgh College Foundation
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Office: Hawkins Hall 109
Phone: (518) 564-2090
E-mail: anne.hansen@plattsburgh.edu