Annual Fund Gets Boost from Class of 2008

Within two hours of kicking off the Class of 2008's class gift campaign, participation among the 386 3Ls jumped from 11 to 18 percent – with $1,230 already committed. The class gift supports the law school's annual fund.

Eager to surpass the Class of 2007's record participation rate of 36 percent – well above the participation rates of all other law school classes – the Class of 2008 plans additional events and activities, culminating in an end-of-the-year party on April 29.

“The example and leadership of the Class of 2008 sets a high bar,” Dean Kellye Testy said at the kickoff. “A top priority for the law school remains growing the number of alumni who contribute annually to the law school. As the law school's reputation soars and more alumni connect with the school, realizing how much they serve to benefit from networking, programs and services, I hope we will soon top 1,000 alumni donors.”

Associate Dean for Advancement Susan Ahearn said average rates of participation among alumni at law schools throughout the country hover in the mid-teens, while many of the top law schools with which the law school competes boast participation rates of 30 percent or more.

 “Annual fund dollars support students, faculty and programs each and every day,” Ahearn emphasized.

Statistics, as of February 29, 2008, suggest the law school, in its 35th year, is well on its way to its best year ever, with:

• a 100% increase in the numbers of donors over this same period last year
• a 28% increase in total annual fund dollars raised over this period last year
• and $1.2 million in total dollars raised (both annual fund and other), with 572 current donors (there were 714 donors to the law school in FY’07)

Most important, the impact is far-reaching, providing more scholarship funds, support for faculty who are publishing and presenting their scholarship at conferences throughout the world, and underwriting for programs that benefit both students and alumni.

Advancement office welcomes major gifts director

Sue Bean, a seasoned development professional with more than 20 years of experience in fund-raising, was named director of major gifts for the law school. 

Since 2004, Bean has worked with Chancellor Charles Mitchell of the Seattle Community Colleges as executive director of advancement, responsible for managing major gifts and a $25.5 million capital campaign for three community colleges and more than 80 educational programs. Before assuming this role, Sue served as executive director of the Seattle Central Community College's foundation, where she led the school's first successful $3 million capital campaign.

“I believe in the power of philanthropy to change lives, and I have been committed to working in higher education for the past decade,” Bean said. “I am excited to be at Seattle University School of Law. It is an honor to work in the advancement profession, and I treasure the relationships with donors I have formed over the years.”

Dean Kellye Testy said Bean's experience will help the law school continue its development efforts.