“Building upon the foundation of our exceptional, mentoring teacher/scholars and our capable, caring staff — coupled with strong philanthropic support — TCU is providing an ever-improving university experience for our students,” says Faculty/Staff Annual Campaign co-chair Dianna McFarland (Psychology).
 
But many potential Horned Frogs may miss that experience if TCU fails to meet its $100 million goal for scholarship support, the top priority of the $375 million Campaign for TCU.  Thus far, $74 million has been raised for scholarships.

This year, nearly 19,000 applicants vied for a limited number of places in the incoming fall class.  Those accepted would comprise one of the University’s strongest classes ever.  However, many highly qualified students may choose Baylor, SMU or another university that has offered them scholarships — while TCU has not.

Simply put, merit scholarship funds are not available for scores of extremely capable potential students who easily would have qualified for them just last year.  In addition, unemployment and worries about the economy have hit the families of many outstanding applicants hard, and more are applying for need-based financial aid than ever before, doubling the impact on the Class of 2015.

“We have the opportunity to help these students and to help keep TCU competitive and accessible,” says co-chair Randy Chambers (Grounds Maintenance).  “When the Faculty/Staff Annual Campaign begins on April 4th, I hope you will consider making a gift to support scholarships.”

“Of course — as always— the campaign welcomes all faculty and staff annual gifts, whether for scholarships and financial aid, or for research; the library; schools, colleges and programs; athletics; and other needs,” Dianna says.

All gifts will count toward The Campaign for TCU.  Support of faculty/staff, alumni and other friends has been so strong that the Board of Trustees has increased the original goal from $250 million to $375 million by May 31, 2012.  Currently, the campaign has raised more than $363 million — every dollar making TCU better.

“This year, we hope to exceed last year’s record participation rate of 70 percent in the Faculty/Staff Annual Campaign, which is one of the highest rates in the country for campus campaigns,” Randy says. “Such a high level of participation is a vote of confidence in the University.  It truly matters more that you give than how much you give.”  

“Every dollar contributed the Faculty/Staff Annual Campaign helps to ensure that our students will continue to benefit from the exceptional TCU experience,” Randy notes.

“Again this year, we are thinking purple and going green,” Dianna says. “Expect an e-mail message on April 4th about how you can participate in the Faculty/Staff Annual Campaign.  Learn more about the campaign and make your gift at www.annualfund.tcu.edu/facultystaff.”