Class Gifts Generate Excitement

How about those numbers? The Darden School of Business Classes of 2009 demonstrated outstanding support for the School today as class gifts were announced at a First Coffee ceremony.

The MBA for Executives Class of 2009 presented a check for $34,015 to Dean Bob Bruner. One hundred percent of the class contributed to the gift.

The MBA Class of 2009 raised $111,466. Over 99 percent of the students in the class participated.

“Even in this economically challenging environment, the philanthropic support that we all strive to advance at Darden has been demonstrated,” said Hope Temple, a member of the Class of ’09, as she addressed the First Coffee audience.

The enthusiastic crowd, which included Alumni Board members and some Darden School Foundation trustees, along with students, faculty, and staff, cheered as the participation rates were announced.

“Thank you for your wonderful generosity,” said Dean Bob Bruner as he accepted the checks on behalf of the School. “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in our future. We intend to deliver on that vote.”

Each year, the graduating classes present class gifts to Darden via the Annual Fund. The director of the Fund, Elizabeth Lewis, said she was impressed with the enthusiasm demonstrated by the students.

“There’s been a tremendous amount of momentum and excitement throughout this process,” she said. “I greatly appreciate the work of our class gift co-chairs, the Annual Fund Team, and the students who made such generous gifts.”

Founded in 1955, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business improves society by developing principled leaders in the world of practical affairs.

For information, contact: communication@darden.virginia.edu