TCNJ

27 THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY FOUNDATION Dear Friends, The story of the past year is one that can be told in numbers. It began in July 2017 with a challenge from the board: a one-year capstone campaign in honor of R. Barbara Gitenstein, who would be wrapping up nearly two decades of exemplary service at the college. Our goal was to raise an additional $7 million on top of the $47.5 million, which had just been raised through the incredibly successful Campaign for TCNJ. The essence of this micro-campaign was embodied in its name: 18.19.20. The first number represented the duration of the effort — the 2018 academic year. The second, Dr. Gitenstein's 19 years at TCNJ. The last reminded us of what philanthropy is all about: the future of the college. In this case, 2020 and beyond. 18.19.20, like the five-year campaign that preceded it, exceeded all expectations. We raised $8.2 million, which pushed the combined total for the two endeavors — the college's first comprehensive fundraising efforts — past the $55 million mark. This number is rich with its own symbolism. The college was founded in 1855. Our fundraising success has pushed the value of the foundation's assets to nearly $50 million, which makes the work of the foundation's finance committee especially important. Its seven members, led by chair Jim Thoresen, do a remarkable job of ensuring that the funds are properly invested. Their success is reflected in the fact that our investments have consistently outperformed the indices. You can meet these talented individuals on page 30. I thank them for their exceptional service. I'd also like to acknowledge the excellent work of the five-member Advancement Services team at TCNJ, who are dedicated to ensuring proper stewardship of gifts. When you consider the numbers — 4,400 donors to the 18.19.20 campaign, 1,471 in one day during the Day of Giving — their efforts to ensure each is thanked and receives timely, accurate reports are critical. This year, the staff revamped our annual President's Reception for Donors and Scholars to feature each of the schools and divisions by highlighting programs that were made possible through philanthropy. It was a wonderful success. You can read more about it on page 28. The Campaign for TCNJ and the 18.19.20 initiative racked up incredibly impressive numbers, as illustrated on the facing page. But as large as they are, it's important to remember that they are rooted in the smallest number: one. The success of these campaigns is in the thousands of individuals who believed in the mission of this college enough to be motivated to make a gift. To them I say, a million thanks. John P. Donohue Executive Director

• Cover