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University Communications

Classes of '76 and '06 Win Giving Awards at University of Richmond's Reunion Weekend 2006

May 5, 2006

Thirty years separate University of Richmond’s classes of 1976 and 2006, but they share a strong desire to support their alma mater.

During Reunion Weekend March 31-April 2, the Class of 1976 received the James B. Thomas Award for the largest class reunion gift. The senior class won the Josiah Ryland Cup for the highest class giving participation rate.

The Class of 1976, celebrating its 30-year reunion, raised $566,217 as of April 25. By the same date, 59 percent of the Class of 2006 had contributed to their senior gift campaign, “A Living Legacy.” Members of both classes can continue to make contributions through June 30.

The Class of 2006 is on track to break the record for the highest senior gift participation rate, 62 percent, set 12 years ago. More than 35 of the 410 senior donors this year gave at the Young Rector’s level—gifts of $250 or more. The seniors designated their more than $19,000 in gifts to 70 different departments, clubs and organizations across campus. 

 “These two classes exemplify what it truly means to be a Richmond Spider—generosity, commitment and service,” said Dave Johnson, vice president for advancement. He noted that classes celebrating reunions this year collectively raised more than $3 million.

The Thomas Award honors an alumnus who pledged $5,000 in 1866 to save the university from bankruptcy after the Civil War. The Ryland Cup is named for an 1849 graduate who became the first president of the Society of Alumni, forerunner of the alumni association.