Because Hamilton [Leaves a Legacy]
“I’ve always felt confident my money was being put to good use.” — John Hadity ’83
When Joel Johnson ’65, P’93 was chair of the Trustee Committee on Budget and Finance he referred to the income earned from the endowment and the revenue provided by the Hamilton Annual Fund as “legacy support.” It’s an apt description.
Generations of alumni, grateful for the role Hamilton played in their future success and happiness, have established a culture of philanthropy through their loyal and generous support of the College. Hamilton graduates provide for their alma mater at a rate that is among the top 1 percent of all American colleges and universities. Parents and friends have been equally as benevolent. Even seniors recognize the importance of giving back, with more than 90 percent in a typical class supporting the Senior Gift campaign.
Legacy support has an enormous impact on the student experience at Hamilton. Income earned from the endowment represents 22 percent of the College’s operating revenues, and gifts to the Hamilton Annual Fund – more than $7 million from 10,000 donors each year – represent another 4 percent of the budget. Most of the College’s alumni, parents, and friends will participate in this campaign through the Hamilton Fund. Indeed, during the duration of the campaign, the Hamilton Fund will represent $70 million, or 17.5 percent of the total contributed to Because Hamilton.