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Dear Alumni and Friends of Eckerd College,

The College recently closed its formal 50th Anniversary celebrations. Many of you joined us as we spent more than a year reflecting on the past, at the same time pursuing the objectives of our capital Campaign, which will secure our future. Today, the State of the College is the best in its 50 years and continues to improve despite these challenging economic times.

This is no accident. We have enrolled the largest freshman class in the College’s history, improved retention, filled our residence halls and done it all with fewer resources than most. This hard work, combined with the incredible generosity of our Trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends and supporting organizations, have positioned us well.

In fact, last fiscal year the College had the highest-ever Annual Fund, received $9.7 million in gifts and $19 million in gifts and pledges. With a recent gift of nearly $3 million, our Many Experiences, One Spirit Campaign total has surpassed $70 million toward our $80 million goal. We are grateful to all of you who kept Eckerd among your philanthropic priorities during this tumultuous year.

Every year we publish the Report to Donors to show our appreciation to those who provide financial support for the College, and we hope you enjoy perusing this online version, which is contributing to our efforts to reduce the College’s carbon footprint, saving money and providing you with a user experience that a printed document cannot. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities in this site to learn more about the centerpiece of our Campaign, the Center for Molecular and Life Sciences.

I welcome your feedback, and thank you again for giving of yourself and your resources to Eckerd College.

Donald R. Eastman III
President