UMBC Alumni Giving Reaches New Record
For the first time in the university's history, more than 3,000 alumni have donated to the Annual Fund. What is all the buzz about participation rate in the Annual Fund? The number of alumni donors to UMBC carries significant weight in the national college rankings. Each autumn U.S. News & World Report announces its categories of "top" universities in the country. There is a strong correlation between the most highly regarded universities and the alumni participation rate that each enjoys. This is due to one of the criteria that is used to evaluate schools referred to as "alumni satisfaction." By definition, this correlates to the alumni giving rate to the Annual Fund. The best schools have the highest percentages of participation and increasing our percentage is one way to move up in the rankings. A higher ranking means that UMBC is recognized as the excellent university that we know it to be. Being well-recognized nationally also means being able to attract better the students, better faculty, additional foundation and corporate gifts and resources, and makes your already valuable degree more valuable. Each of your Annual Fund gifts adds this value while also providing financial support for important areas such as library resources, technology advances and scholarships. Every gift matters. UMBC thanks you for your support.

For your convenience you can now make your gift online by using our secure server or by clicking Contribute Online in the menu bar.

Social Work Establishes Shirley Bembry Scholarship Fund
The Department of Social Work has established a scholarship fund in honor of Shirley Bembry, the late wife of professor Jim Bembry. The fund has been set up within the University of Maryland Foundation as a dedicated resource to help social work majors at UMBC achieve baccalaureate degrees. The goal is to endow the fund so that it will function as an ongoing memorial to Shirley Bembry's life and spirit.

To contribute to the fund, please send your check, payable to the UM Foundation/Shirley Bembry Scholarship Fund, to:

UMBC Social Work Department
Attention Eileen Neville
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250

All contributions are administered by the University of Maryland Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of UMBC.

Visual Arts Campaign Launches in Fall 2001
In fall 2001, UMBC will launch the Campaign for Visual Arts. The three-year campaign, which will end in fall 2004, will benefit the Department of Visual Arts and other visual arts programs on campus. Plans for the 2001-02 year include a fall campaign kickoff celebration, the launch of a departmental alumni newsletter, receptions at the Fine Arts Gallery and career networking opportunities for students and alumni. Watch the E-triever and UMBC's website for more information.