On behalf of the current Williams undergrads and of the generations of Ephs yet to come, I want to say “thank you” to all the alumni who contributed to the Alumni Fund, and to all our class agents and associate agents who volunteered to make Alumni Fund 2007 – 2008 such a success. Our alumni accept the obligation and cherish the opportunity to support the continuing excellence of the College for current and future generations of Ephs.

When this year’s Fund closed the books on June 30th, our alumni had contributed almost $11.2 million to the College’s operating budget and had attained a participation rate of 62%. We received gifts from a record number of donors, 14,705 dedicated alumni. More importantly, the strength of this response reflects a vote of confidence in the continuing mission of the College to provide the best liberal arts education in the land and in the direction and stewardship provided by the College’s Trustees, its President, the Faculty and Staff in pursuing that mission.

At the Annual Meeting of the Society of Alumni, we recognized the commitment and leadership of the reunion classes including the Class of 1938 celebrating its 70th Reunion, the Class of 1983 celebrating its 25th Reunion and the Class of 1958 celebrating its 50th Reunion. All of our volunteers and contributors should be very proud of what has been accomplished. They share the tributes and applause that filled Chandler Gym that day. There can be no doubt that so long as our College has the broad and generous support of our alumni body it will be a leader in American education. The College will remain for a new generation of students, to quote the College Chaplain, Rick Spalding, “a place where hope stays alive.”

Once again, thank you for all you have done and will do for our College.

Best regards,
Bill Sprague '80
Chair, Alumni Fund 2007-2008