BY VICKIE G. HAMPTON
The new name for the annual fund says it all: Spelman Strong. Spelman Strong is helping the College build a stronger foundation and a brighter future. Unrestricted gifts are the lifeblood of the College, directly strengthening and influencing every facet of the Spelman experience, from world-class faculty and academic programs to a campus with the technology and infrastructure to deliver a robust, 21st-century education. Additionally, the fundraiser itself has recently gathered strength. In fiscal year 2021, Spelman Strong raised $5.5 million, which is more than double of last year’s total of $2.4 million. Alumni giving is behind the record-shattering increase. “With Spelman Strong, alumnae have really stepped up their efforts to raise money for the annual fund,” said President Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D. The increase means more than that the utilities will be paid or other operational issues will be handled. It means that promising scholars will find it more affordable to make their dream of earning a Spelman degree come true. “If you raise money for the annual fund, we don’t have to raise the tuition as much every year. And not raising the tuition keeps the school more affordable,” said President Campbell. Planning for the future Carmen D. Harris, C’2002, is part of a three-person alumnae team who started Guard Our Gates, a peer-to-peer planned giving initiative that is teaching young alumnae how to give to their alma mater over their lifetime. A majority of alumnae 26
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SPELMAN MESSENGER
— 56 percent — who participate in the initiative choose to leave their gifts in unrestricted funds to support Spelman Strong. Guard Our Gates intimately ties into Spelman Strong’s goal of ensuring that the Spelman experience will be available to future generations of Spelmanites. That begins with encouraging current alumnae to consider both immediate and planned goals for giving. “The goal is to think about how to create a journey through giving. Always give to Spelman Strong first, then consistent planned giving over your lifetime,” Harris explained. The initiative was inspired by the work of Celeste Watkins, C’96, and Gena Hudgins Ashe, C’83, who spearheaded the 25@25 Campaign, which has raised more than $1.25 million to fund technology initiatives at the College. To date, Guard Our Gates has raised nearly $2 million. Previously, alumnae were approached with planned-giving opportunities only during their Golden Girl reunion, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Guard Our Gates approaches women significantly younger — 20 years after their freshman year. Harris explains to younger alumnae — many of whom are just hitting their stride in their careers — that planned giving is a way to earmark a significant gift to the College without taking money out of their pocket now. “I learned that Spelman sisters are very dedicated and committed to the College, so [asking them to consider planned giving] does not take hard convincing,” she said. “They haven’t been asked. They didn’t
know it was an option. Now they know they have the time and space to take care of the future of Spelman — just as they would their child. That resonates with alumnae.” Harris gave her first planned gift at her 10th reunion. Beyond having the College named as a beneficiary on life insurance policies or 401k plans, some alumnae plan to leave the school less traditional gifts such as a vintage book collection, art or real estate. More help from our friends According to the Spelman Strong Committee, which includes Bonnie Carter, C’89, Susan Dunn, Harris, Lovette Russell, C’83, and Pauletta Washington, they will focus efforts on augmenting traditional annual fund outreach, such as during Homecoming, Founders Day and class reunions. “We needed to expand our network of friends who can give to Spelman,” said Carter. “We needed to think broadly about how to increase resources.” She contacted fellow Spelman trustee, Dunn, eager to explore the concept. “Bonnie called me last summer and explained her idea to expand the base of support for Spelman by inviting friends who didn’t attend the College to support it. I was in immediately because it’s brilliant,” said Dunn. “Philanthropists give to PWIs that they didn’t attend, and Spelman students are absolutely worthy of those kinds of donations. “Everyone on the committee shares the campaign with our friends. We talk about how to involve the board and what makes a compelling invitation, especially
