FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

A year ago, when I last brought you my annual update on private giving at Virginia Tech, no one could have anticipated either the challenges we would face, or the milestones we would reach. Of course, Virginia Tech´s alumni and friends have always been known for their extraordinary support of the university, whether in the form of cheers on the playing field or financial support for university initiatives, and so we have come to anticipate good news and much achievement. But this year, our supporters have truly outdone themselves. Today, we share a stronger sense of community, and a deeper and broader base of support than ever before. Your confidence in the university´s mission and president´s vision is made manifest in our year-end numbers. In fiscal year 2006-2007, Virginia Tech raised $83.8 million--the highest private giving total ever at the university and an increase of more than 11 percent over last year´s total. Much of that success can be attributed to individual donors, with support from alumni, parents, students, friends, and faculty/staff topping $53.9 million, almost two-thirds of total giving.

Private support is essential for us to continue to reach our ambitious goals. It enables us to seek better ways to teach our students, conduct forward-looking research, and reach out to a broader community. Further, such support makes it possible for us to provide our students with the opportunity to work side-by-side with some of the nation´s leading scholars, immersing them in a hands-on learning environment and giving them a chance to participate in research that will make a difference. It is the kind of education that makes a Virginia Tech degree so valuable in the marketplace, and private philanthropy plays a critical role in our ability to create unique opportunities in every academic discipline.

But more than just providing funding, this support reflects the pride, commitment, and resilient spirit that Virginia Tech´s family and friends hold dear. That kind of generosity has never been more important or more appreciated than it has been in the challenging days, weeks, and months of this past year. Your support is helping us to move ahead, determined to invent the future.

Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Flanagan

Vice President for Development
and University Relations