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Annual Fund sets fundraising record

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August 2, 2006

Duke Law School's Annual Fund raised a record $2.156 million in 2005-2006, reports Annual Fund Director Kristine Jensen. She attributes the extraordinary success of the campaign, which closed on June 30, to a successful reunion challenge and the dedication of alumni committee members who helped motivate their classmates to contribute by writing personal letters relating their law school experiences. More than 2,200 alumni contributed 95 percent of the Fund's total.

"Alumni are very proud of the direction Duke Law has taken. I think that's why we received such tremendous support from alumni this year," says Jensen. "They're proud of the new facilities, they're proud of the new faculty hires, and they're proud of the quality of our students." The campaign also got a "huge" boost from faculty members and a group of anonymous donors, who matched the 2006 class gift effort with Barrister leadership gifts of $2,500 to $100,000, she says.

"The members of our faculty are really proud of the philanthropy of the students, so when we asked for their support, they were thrilled to help. It's a great indication of what Duke Law is about. We're a community where people really step up."

As the largest source of unrestricted support for the School after endowment income and tuition revenue, the Annual Fund addresses some of the School's greatest needs. "It strengthens and sustains everything from student scholarships to faculty support to journals and programs to additional technology resources," says Jensen. "It touches every area of Duke Law."

Jensen plans to keep the momentum going, setting a goal of $2.3 million for the next campaign. By 2011 the Law School hopes to raise $3 millions annually through the Annual Fund, she says.

"It's not just about the large gifts. All gifts, regardless of size, are critical to the support of Duke Law and, when combined with others, help to make a cumulative impact. That's what the Annual Fund is all about."