Thanks to the generosity of 1,454 alums like Ellen, the Stanford University School of Education enjoyed strong alumni support in 1999-2000. The percentage of alums who contributed reached an all time high - 15% - yet this is still a very low figure compared to the number of alums who contribute to other graduate schools at Stanford.

While contributions from alumni have increased steadily, which may represent a turning of the tide for school support, some SUSE programs remain underfunded. The current goal is a significant jump in the number of contributors - at whatever amount. If just 200 more alums contribute in the coming academic year, for example, we will have reached our fiscal year 2001 goal of 17% participation.

All contributions are fully tax deductible and they enable SUSE to offer more student financial aid and to launch innovative academic programs.

According to the U.S. News and World Report's 2001 rankings of the best graduate schools, the Stanford University School of Education was ranked number one among its peers and number two overall. Sustaining this excellence over time requires the finest minds and resources, and alumni support is an important part of this equation.

Every single contribution helps sustain SUSE as a leader in the field. Please consider continuing this legacy for others.

PAT NICHOLSON
Associate Dean for External Relations
e-mail nicholson@stanford.edu