Why We Contribute

When we contribute to the Parents’ Fund, we are sending a valuable message to our children that we believe in their educational pursuit and their choices. In support of our daughter and her school we feel it is very important to advocate for the school in its annual fund drive. We learned an underappreciated fact that even full tuition does not cover the entire cost of our children's education at Haverford. A donation to the annual fund provides you, your child and the school many benefits associated with unrestricted funding for programs and services. We hope you will join us in supporting Haverford, and please make a donation in any amount you feel comfortable as each and every donation really does make a difference.

—Eve Kurtin and Michael Steinberg (parents of Drew Steinberg '09)
Parents’ Council Chairs
Los Angeles, CA

Richard Glaser '83

I don't have a Haverford decal on my car and I rarely wear my alma mater's sporty apparel.  I demonstrate my connection to the college through my conduct towards people -- or so I try.  I left Haverford in '83 with a sense of purpose that transcended academic and financial achievement.   I learned about my importance as an individual and my obligations to the people I touch, in particular my family and community.  So, my "inner voice" tells me to give.  I contribute money because I'm fortunate to be able to help sustain Haverford financially.  And, I contribute my time because money only goes so far..

The Class of 1966

Since 1991, when the Class of 1966 celebrated its 25th reunion, Tom Bonnell ’66 has been closely involved with the fundraising efforts of the College and his class. While this effort began out of conversations between Tom and classmate Larry Davis ’66 during Reunion Weekend, the Class of ’66 now has six active chairs (including Tom, Larry, Bob Baker, Charlotte Lutton, Michael McKeehan, and Ron Schwarz), all of whom share the annual task of reaching out to and soliciting classmates. When asked what the ‘key to success’ has been, Tom shared that, “Over the years we have tracked down and contacted almost all of our classmates – a more daunting task than we imagined – so we know where they are and how to reach them”. By being able to determine how, when, and by whom their classmates want to be contacted, the chairs have been able to proudly maintain a class participation rate between 95% and 100% annually. To put it in Tom’s words, “The goal is 100% participation, because that means that we have found everybody, that we know who wants to participate, that we have reminded everybody (okay, maybe nagged), and that everybody had responded, and in time. That’s about as good as it gets.”

Paul Minnice '09, London Associate

I am spending the Summer in Huangshi, China on a CPGC internship. I will briefly be coming back to Haverford in the fall to be involved in Customs week and the Peer Awareness program and then will be heading off to the UK to attend the London School of Economics. I really enjoy working in the Annual Giving office. The people there are really what make it what it is, and everyday is full of “witty” comments, random outbursts, and the occasional printer jam. You would think that stuffing envelopes and formatting text wouldn’t be fun, but the office is a space where we can all work and talk, but also probably one of the few offices that allows students to be very flexible in terms of their work and their schedule. Each person in the office has a skill and we all compliment each other really well.

Lawrence and Ann Kaplan

We choose to support Haverford College because its educational mission, humane values and philosophy of personal conduct are an extension of our own parenting beliefs. Haverford College provides its students with a safe, nurturing environment that encourages academic experimentation, broadens personal horizons, establishes life-long friendships, and enriches their potential as constructive members of society.

Ann and Larry Kaplan (Alexander '09)
Wellesley, MA

Hard at Work

My name is Bennett Smith and I am a rising sophomore at Haverford. I like philosophy and music. The Annual Giving office is 1) a barrel of laughs, 2) a sweet job and 3) an alumni-contacting career divining rod.

Five Fun Facts About Haverford

• As of December 31, 2006, Haverford’s Endowment totaled $493,881,000.
• Parents of current and former students gave more than $245,000 to the Haverford Fund in fiscal year 2005-2006.
• You can find more than 1,500 trees labeled with their scientific names throughout Haverford’s 216 acre campus, thanks to the College Arboretum.
• The average grant for Haverford students receiving financial aid is $25,735.
• 32% of the 314 members of the class of 2010 are students of color.

Julie Min Chayet '91

I visited the campus many times while my brother, Robert (’86) was a student.  Finally, in April 1987, I walked through the main College entrance, past the duck pond and Barclay Beach with an acceptance letter in my own hand.  The campus was breathtakingly pristine, yet simple. Anxious about my future, I remember standing in the middle of Founders Green surrounded by students studying, talking, playing Frisbee and enjoying each other’s company.  The energy was contagious.

I make a gift to the College every year so that there will be another person who can share this amazing experience. When I write a check or go on-line to make my donation, I always take a minute to close my eyes and remember that special spring day (and many more that followed).  Sometimes, I can smell the flowers, feel the grass beneath my feet and hear the laughter and conversations all over again.  It is worth every penny and is truly priceless!

2007 Senior Class Gift Committee

The Class of 2007's generous gift to Haverford College will support the purchase of a statue in the atrium of Magill Library and the Haverford Fund. The Senior Class Gift Committee raised $6,575 from 72% of their classmates.

Scott Wright '88

Why I give to Haverford...For the privilege of my Haverford education in its entirety and life's freedom that experience helps ensure.  To honor the work, sacrifice & support of family and friends, and our resilience.  To appreciate the opportunity to have attended, to recognize the values the College strengthened, and that those same convictions shape both how I run my business and how I live.  Knowing that my education creates a desire to understand the world around me, and the derived challenge and peace in my life by my questioning and unconventional problem solving.  Haverford offers a lifelong education.  I'm indebted to the Haverford community.  I remember. 

Michael Schwartz '82

I consider my four years at Haverford College to have developed and defined my character. Haverford is a unique institution; a place where on a daily basis Quaker values are lived and students are taught in an intimate setting by professors who have dedicated themselves to teaching. In the sciences, students pursue research projects that at larger institutions are exclusive to graduate students. On a personal note, I am forever grateful to Dana Swan for allowing a physically immature freshman, without lacrosse experience, to stick it out on the lacrosse team. I value my A.W. Haddeleton trophy more than my Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude awards put together! I give to Haverford, in the hope that it will always be there to provide these unique opportunities to future generations.

Andrew Jewel '91

My experience at Haverford was precisely what I wanted my college years to be.  It fit my "image" of college - the open spaces, the leafy quads, the architecture.  Haverford also allowed me to be as involved in the campus as I wanted - to play varsity tennis for 4 years, to be involved in certain debates, to not be involved in others.  I think that what makes Haverford unique is the unusual juxtaposition of a place that is all about community and coming together yet never imposes any pressure to actually take part in anything that doesn't appeal to you.  I give to Haverford because, quite simply, I don't want such a special place to have to feel the need to abandon what it feels is important because of lack of funds.  Haverford needs to stay Haverford, and if my contribution and others' can help with that, it's something worth doing.

Jennifer Robinson (Perlberger) '95

It sounds cliche but as soon as I stepped on Haverford's campus, I knew it was the only school for me. The serene grounds did not hurt, but the selling point was definitely the the sense of community and sense of self among the students on campus- a sharp contrast to the competitive and anonymous atmosphere at the public high school I attended. I give to Haverford because I want to ensure a diverse group of students is able to attend Haverford so that it remains the unique institution it was when I attended. Whether I encounter older alumni or recent grads, I am always struck with pride to be a part of such a small and special group of graduates.  I give so that others may go on to become Fellow Fords.

Tim Miller '04

I stay involved at Haverford because I still feel largely a part of the Haverford Community.  My friends and my family remain deeply rooted at Haverford and I want to make certain that this connection to Haverford endures to further enhance these relationships.

Stanton Family Scholarship

The Stanton Family Scholarship means a chance for me to pursue my education while promoting social justice. The money that the Stanton family donates replaces financial aid that the College gives me, and lets Haverford pass that aid on to others. Without supporters like the Stanton family, Haverford might be unable to maintain its system of need-blind admission and its pledge to accommodate all demonstrated need. This scholarship not only recognizes and rewards scholastic achievement, but also enables Haverford’s commitment to equity and fairness.

—Daniel Sacks ‘08

Hard at Work

Amira Shulman-Kumin '10, works on the giant check for Alumni Weekend, representing the amount of money each class donated to the Haverford Fund, that she and Anne Koellhoffer '09 created for the Office of Annual Giving.

Sam Angell '82 and Bob Elwood '82

Bob and Sam have been working together as class chairs for ten years, although both of them became Haverford volunteers shortly after graduation. Under their leadership, the class of 1982 has enjoyed enormous fundraising success, winning the Founders Bell award for the last six years running. When asked the secret to their success, Sam is quick to give credit to the class, which he describes as very special. Bob adds, "We strive to forge an emotional bond between our classmates and Haverford," reminding classmates of a meaningful professor or quoting song lyrics popular during college. Both Sam and Bob are looking forward to a very successful 25th reunion, and encourage their classmates to stay tuned for news of pre-reunion events across the country.

Quaker Student Scholarship

I wanted to be in a place where students did not just pursue knowledge as a means to accomplish their own professional goals, but also believed that they could make a difference in the world around them through their education. Haverford became that place for me. Just as in the Quaker community, I am surrounded by individuals here at Haverford who remind me that there is a world outside in need of new ideas and passionate people to bring about the kind of lasting change that will move us toward real progress. The Quaker Student Scholarship is making it possible for me to be part of the Haverford community and to push myself to a greater state of awareness of the world around me and how I want to make a difference.

—Alisa Apgar ‘08

Nancy Lewin '84

I choose to give to Haverford College because my days at Haverford still burn brightly in my heart and my mind.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of a classmate, or a Professor, or a certain class, or an image of a beautiful place such as the duck pond, the observatory, the nature trail, Hilles, Founders Hall, the walk to Bryn Mawr (the smell of the gingkos), or the Rufus Jones study in the Phillips Wing of the Library.  This is pretty amazing considering I graduated over 23 years ago.  Each gift to Haverford ensures that this kind of passion will blossom in others.   Each gift allows new students and faculty to preach truth and do righteousness (to quote Isaac Sharpless).  So please give generously; Haverford is truly one of the most special places on earth.

Hilary (Taylor) Comerchero '97

Hilary (Taylor) Comerchero always knew she would give back to Haverford as an alum. From the time she graduated, she had her information listed with the Career Development Office as an alumni contact, contributed regularly to the annual fund and kept abreast of news from Haverford. In 2002, she joined the committee to plan her five year reunion and became a class chair. Since that time, she has been in regular touch with her classmates to, as she says, share "general greetings, news about the College and financial requests". Today, she continues in her class chair role, finding creative ways to reach out to her classmates, such as the use of e-greetings at holidays. She also serves on the Annual Fund Executive Committee and is excited to begin planning for her 10 year reunion. "My volunteer service has been a wonderful way to feel like a ‘Ford every day and with every passing year."

Richard Kain '93

How can you hope to learn a language when it is, in fact, dead? This is the paradox that Richard Kain '93 works to overcome with his support of an intensive summer study program in Latin and Greek through the John B. Hurford Humanities Center. When explaining why he funds such a program, Kain says, "I had a great time at Haverford. If there was somewhere the humanities courses came up short, however, it was in the lack of sources in the original [ancient languages]." Learn more >

Gabriella Sarnoff '95

I give to Haverford because I think it's a great institution and I want others to be able to experience it.  Haverford provided me with a great education, wonderful friends and the opportunity to be part of an incredible community of interesting people.  I think it is important to give to Haverford so that the school can continue to get bright, diverse and interesting students who want to be a part of a great institution.