Opportunities for Engagement…
Tufts University welcomes parents as integral members of our university community. Tufts is honored to be entrusted with the education of our students in our classrooms, in our labs, in our special lectures, within the community—and as active citizens throughout the world. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the Tufts experience by participating in events on campus, attending Tufts Alumni Association events in their local communities, partnering with the Career Services Office to facilitate internships and recruitment and supporting the Tufts Fund for Arts, Sciences and Engineering.
The Parents Committee…
The Parents Committee is a diverse group of parents who support Tufts’ mission through their own philanthropy. Committee members serve as ambassadors for the university, helping foster a sense of community among Tufts parents by reaching out to other Tufts families, raising awareness for the Tufts Fund for Arts, Sciences and Engineering, and soliciting other families for support.
Members of the Parents Committee:
- Lead by example as donors to the Packard Society, Tufts’ leadership giving society. Investment from the Parents Committee in the Tufts Fund – especially at leadership levels – helps to set the pace for other parents to give to the university, sometimes for the first time.
- Identify parents in their region or profession who might also wish to support Tufts and become more engaged with the school.
- Conduct peer-to-peer solicitations during the fall and winter supported by the Parents Program team. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with other Tufts parents, and the time commitment is minimal and tailored to fit Committee members’ busy schedules.
- Facilitate corporate or foundation giving to Tufts through the identification of, or introduction to, key decision makers. Many corporations and foundations seek to partner with Tufts to support cutting-edge research ongoing at the university, as well as innovative academic programs and community outreach activities. Members of the Parents Committee effectively connect potential funders with the university to promote Tufts’ academic mission.
Journey back to campus for Parents Weekend in October (October 16-18 in 2009.) The activities, lectures and social gatherings planned provide parents with a wonderful snapshot of the many opportunities available to their student(s).
- Attend the annual Parents Committee Meeting scheduled during Parents Weekend. This meeting allows Parents Committee members to connect with one another, kick-off the Committee’s efforts for the academic year, and present an opportunity for members to gain more information regarding ongoing activities at Tufts.
- Attend local Tufts alumni events that are of interest, which they can learn about through the Tufts University Alumni Association’s website for information on regional events http://www.tufts.edu/alumni/ or by invitation.
- Attend or host events that augment the Committee’s work. In coordination with the Parents Program staff, Parent Committee members host a few receptions each year aimed at introducing parents to university leadership and sharing recent news of education, research and service on campus and the remarkable contributions that Tufts’ students, faculty and staff are making in their communities. Such events are also opportunities to gather parents’ thoughts on the direction the university is taking to become a leader in higher education—a perspective the leadership at Tufts welcomes.
PARENTS GIVING AT TUFTS: AN IMPRESSIVE HISTORY OF PHILANTHROPY
Each year, parents contribute approximately one quarter of all gifts to the Tufts Fund for Arts, Sciences and Engineering. Last year, the Tufts Fund raised more than $7.5 million and is expected to continue to grow in FY09.
Over the past three years, parents have raised millions of dollars in support of the University's highest priorities, including:
- The Perry and Marty Granoff Music Center
- Jackson Gym dance laboratory
- William A. Shoemaker Boathouse
- Endowed and term scholarships
- Professorships
An impressive 29% of parents of current undergraduate students participate in giving to Tufts' annual fund each year, underwriting critical operations as well as providing the schools with the means to respond to emerging opportunities and unforeseen needs.
We continue to be grateful to all of our parents whose support helps Tufts thrive academically, while setting the pace for others to give generously.
For more information about the Parents Committee please contact Gina DeSalvo at gina.desalvo@tufts.edu or 617-627-0644
