<p>So I was looking closely at the US news 2009 rankings today. (Never really paid attention to them before, but I figured they could occasionally be useful.) Anyway I noticed UR has an unusually low alumni giving rank (146) compared with its overall rank (33) or the general alumni giving ranks of other top colleges. </p>
<p>Do you have an idea as to what are the possible causes for this low alumni giving rate?</p>
<p>Hi Matt,</p>
<p>Just coming from a student's perspective those numbers are very surprising. We currently have 4 major construction projects going on, including a new football stadium, so the general feeling is that funds are coming in. The Spiders were national champions this year which will definitely increase alumni giving, but I can't think of any reasons that would give us a low ranking.</p>
<p>I have a dislocated shoulder, so typing with one hand, thus a short response. Twofold -- previous administration and until recently, there wasn't a culture of giving or soliciting the $1,000 donor. Recently, the senior class has begun a giving campaign to help foster the giving culture and the class has given at at least a 60% rate the past three years, which is very high compared to peer institutions. With our new admin and upcoming campaign, you'll see rates continue to increase.</p>
<p>Richmond also seems to have a pretty big endowment. $390,000 per student puts them above Duke, Georgetown, Wash U in StL, Brown, and Cornell. Maybe the alumni don't feel the school needs the money? I don't really think it reflects on the quality of the school. A lot of factors come into play w/ alumni giving.</p>
<p>The 2009 USNWR data is two years old at this point and does not reflect giving based upon the new president. I would expect alumni giving to improve percentage wise even with the economy in a ditch.</p>
<p>A lot of students probably feel ripped-off and don't care to give.</p>
<p>Historically, the school isn't supportive of its football team. A successful season isn't likely to change that. Successful basketball seasons certainly didn't pump up student giving.</p>
<p>I spoke with someone who makes the calls to request alumni donations and he said they were more enthusiastic about giving because of our successful football season this year, but perhaps you are right, URdefect.</p>