Karen Lawrence to improve SLC funding

by Frederic Richter '10

Tuesday January 22, 2008

President Lawrence is making a push for $11 million in gifts and pledges this year; with four million already secured for this year, the President’s lofty goal seems within reach.

President Lawrence has publicly expressed on several occasions that she intends to undertake a “capital campaign,” building on the foundation set by her predecessor, and while the official goal for the campaign is still under discussion, an objective of $150 to $185 million has been put forward.

V.P. of College Resources Suzanne Murphy and others involved in the process are aware that this is “a very ambitious goal,” and the exact target will be determined by “further study and analysis of the giving capacity of our donor pool.” This analysis is an ongoing process, but as is evident from the current figures and the outline of President Lawrence’s new plan, the administration has their sights set on real financial change for the college.

In time, Sarah Lawrence’s campus may grow as well under the plan. As part of the plan to foster student community, the construction of a new residence hall has been proposed to alleviate the housing crisis currently plaguing the campus, as well as a new music building.

President Lawrence presented her new plan to the Parents Advisory Council at the board meeting on Nov. 2. Murphy noted that the new fundraising plan is unique in many aspects. “There is a much greater emphasis placed on the expansion of the college’s endowment to support current operations and future initiatives.” If the endowment is increased as a result of this campaign, the funding will be focused on three areas: “Teaching, learning and scholarship (focusing on support of faculty and pedagogy); building student community and connections; and enhancing access through scholarship aid.”

The practical implementation of the President’s plan begins with visits to Alumnae/I and parents in the areas of St. Louis, Dallas, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and New York City, in an effort to establish her presence in the extended SLC community. This tour is, according to V.P. Murphy, “the first steps in the cultivation process toward major gifts for the next campaign,” and the means of promotion for the “silent phase” of the campaign. Ms. Murphy also said that the President has been making an effort to “augment the board of trustees” by cultivating and recruiting new members. She has attempted to reach out to the surrounding communities of Bronxville and Yonkers for additional support.

The fundraising endeavor is focused most importantly, according to President Lawrence, on the endowment, in an effort to ensure “fiscal and financial stability while making the College less tuition dependent.” The endowment per student, as published in the last issue of The Phoenix, is relatively low; increasing the endowment would ease the pressure on the tuition system, a welcome change for many SLC students.