Leap year means 1) there are 29 days in February. 2.) it's a presidential election year 3.) in centuries past it was the traditional time that a woman could propose marriage to a man. 4.) and, at Hamilton, it's an opportunity to make a gift and participate in the Annual Fund Leap Year Challenge. Charter trustee Jack Withiam '71 came up with the unique challenge for Hamilton alumni. The goal was to get 29 gifts or pledges a day for each of the 29 days in February, from the 29 classes of 1979-2007 for a total of 841 gifts. The goal was met with 1065 new gifts and pledges, and Withiam will donate $29,000. In addition, a Leap Year Scholar will be named.
"This is all about participation," said Dave Steadman '03, Director of Young Alumni Giving. "It's to illustrate the power collective gifts have and what a serious impact they can have on students at Hamilton. The 29 classes between 1979 and 2007 did their part," Steadman added. And, for any numerologists out there, $29,000 is the average financial aid received by a student at Hamilton.
The Leap Year Scholar will be a current student who is receiving a Hamilton College grant supported by the Annual Fund. That student's story will be communicated to all February donors who help meet the challenge, which illustrates the tangible value a gift creates.
If you'd like to view results of the challenge visit the Leap Year Challenge page.
