This June, the Campaign for Mount Holyoke, the fundraising organ of the College, plans to celebrate reaching a $200 million milestone.

The goal of the Campaign, which ends in December 2011, is $300 million. As of March 31, the amount raised stands at $196.7 million.

“Given the economic challenges, I think process has been extraordinary. We are confident that we will reach our projected goal of $200 million…by the summer,” said Leslie Anne Miller ’73, chair of the Board of Trustees.

MaryAnne Young ’81, director of Development for the Campaign, stressed that the $200 million mark was less a goal and more a milestone. “When we reach milestones we like to celebrate them.We will reach the $200 million mark this summer,” she said.

Rachel Cartmell, director of Development Communications, acknowledged the importance of alumni giving in reaching the $200 million mark despite the economic downturn last year. “It shows that we have great alumni who have confidence in the mission of the College,” she said.

Although the Campaign has not yet experienced a “full recovery” from the recession, it is “going in the right direction,” according to Young.

“We wouldn’t change the 300 million goal unless we reached it before, but given the economy last year, we will be working very hard,” she said.

“We are looking forward to celebrating hitting the milestone of $200 million sometime this summer, but the campaign goal continues to be $300 million,” said Tara Fitzpatrick ’78, director of Corporations and Foundations.“Joanne’s leadership has brought us to this milestone,” she added, referring to President of the College Joanne Creighton.

“With the arrival of [President-Elect] Lynn Pasquerella—who loves to fundraise and who will inject some new blood and enthusiasm into the Campaign—and with an upturn in the economy, we remain confident that we will reach our goal,” said Miller.

Related posts:

1. Alumnae giving stays strong despite economy
2. Local campaign party held for Ralph Nader
3. V-Day Campaign Includes Vagina Monologues
4. College expresses its gratitude to donors
5. Comprehensive fee rate climbs by three percent