| "Philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by mankind."
-- Henry David Thoreau
Since this School of Dentistry was founded in 1888, there always have been occasions when the University of Minnesota's dollars allocated for operating the institution could not be stretched far enough to support new ideas. And, also since that time, there have always been friends of the School, alumni, members of the practicing community, and other interested individuals and organizations, who step up to fill the need with timely contributions.
This generous support from outside the School was codified in the late 1960's by Erwin Schaffer, then dean, when he formed the Century Club. Given the opportunity to have their giving recognized, thousands of our alumni and friends joined, some on an annual basis, others making long term pledges, becoming life members. Giving to the School was becoming a trend.
In the late 1980's, as part of the University-wide Minnesota Campaign that raised a then-record $364 million, the School was able to secure 3 new endowed faculty positions with the sustained giving of generous friends.
To cap off the 1990s, the School of Dentistry undertook an ambitious fundraising effort, the 2000x2000x2000 Campaign. Its intent was to get 2000 gifts of at least $2000 by the year 2000. The campaign was successful, reaching a total gift designation of $7.9 million from over 4000 individual contributions. With this outpouring of generosity, the school was able to push its endowment total to between $14 - $15 million.
At the same time, the entire University of Minnesota was launching Campaign Minnesota, a $1.3 billion effort focusing on students, faculty, and strategic initiatives.
Please take some time and browse through these pages on how to give. You won't be alone if you chose to contribute. You'll join a long list of people who, over the first century of our School's history, have made an impact with a gift.
Fred E Bertschinger, Development Officer
15-136 Moos Tower
Phone: (612) 625-1657
Fax: (612) 624-0027
E-Mail: berts001@umn.edu
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