Predominantly white colleges have had mixed results in efforts to raise money among minority alumni. Poor response to programs among this group is attributed to alienation because of campus racial incidents, limited family resources or heavier financial obligations, and resentment of their alma maters. (MSE)

Statistics showing that the U.S. Hispanic population is getting larger and wealthier have altered perceptions that this is a community in need. College officials, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations, are courting Hispanic business owners and establishing networks through Hispanic alumni groups. However, some fear that…

Colleges and universities are increasingly seeking donations from young entrepreneurs, using nontraditional approaches, and some have been very successful. Others have alienated wealthy young alumni by being too aggressive. Youthful entrepreneurs who do make gifts tend to time their donations to business events rather than to life events. (MSE)

Despite recent substantial losses through an investment adviser, mid-size universities are reducing their traditional low-risk investments and engaging in investments that are higher-risk but potentially higher-yielding. For some institutions, this translates into more investment in the domestic stock market and some ventures into foreign markets.…

Cornell University (New York) president Frank H. T. Rhodes has been a highly successful fund raiser for the institution through his personal attributes and loyalty to the university. Rhodes postponed retirement to see the current fund drive almost to its end. Other accomplishments also distinguish his tenure as president. (MSE)

Turnover among college fundraisers and related administrators (alumni relations, publications) has been high, with some remaining in positions for less time than a major campaign takes to complete. Some feel fundraisers, particularly those in low- or mid-level positions, are competing for higher salaries, better titles, and career development…

National trends in private support of colleges and universities indicate increased giving, but at rates barely above inflation. Data are presented on trustee gifts, dollar totals and averages by institution type in 1991-92 and 1992-93, and top 20 institutions in total giving, alumni donations, total giving per student, and alumni giving per…

In 1997 private giving to colleges and universities climbed at the fastest rate in a decade; this was the second year of double-digit growth. However, total giving to two-year colleges and specialized institutions fell considerably. Master's degree institutions, public and private, gained most. Deferred giving showed a particularly strong…

Nearly 11 years ago trustees of Wilson College (Pennsylvania) voted to close the institution. A group of alumnae brought a lawsuit to keep the college open, and since then the college's programs have been transformed to meet the changing interests and ages of its students. A division of continuing studies was created. (MLW)