Posted October 8, 2001

IOWA CITY -- In a "season" that started July 1 of 2001 and runs until June 30, 2002, recent graduates of the University of Iowa are striving to be known as the best, and most "participatory," young alumni in the Big Ten -- in terms of making gifts to their alma mater.

Eight participating Big Ten universities are several months into the Big Ten GOLD (Grads Of the Last Decade) Challenge, which is designed to increase participation in giving by recent graduates (1992-2001).

Anthony Arrington, an assistant director of annual giving at the UI Foundation, says that while Iowa's section of the GOLD Challenge web site (www.bigtenchallenge.org) has the second highest number of "hits," just behind Penn State's section, the UI currently is fourth place overall in participation at 1.15 percent. Purdue leads the pack with 2.14 percent participation from its younger alumni.

Arrington says the Challenge was conceived by Big Ten fund-raising colleagues as a way to promote education and awareness among younger alumni about the significant role of private support in the success of the universities from which they graduated.

"So many of our alumni have had wonderful experiences as students. The quality of education, the faculty, facilities, social and intellectual extra-curricular opportunities, support systems -- all have had a tremendous affect on the lives of our alumni," Arrington says. "It's in the spirit of school pride and competition in the Big Ten that we decided to collaborate on this unique and fun way to promote the importance of giving among graduates of the last 10 years.

"Our younger alumni may support any area of the University," he adds, "including their college, department, or UI-wide areas such as the libraries, arts or athletics."

To take part in the Challenge and help move the UI closer to No. 1, simply point your web browser to www.bigtenchallenge.org and click on the Tiger Hawk logo. There you will find additional information and easy-to-follow instructions.

One innovative way for alumni and friends to play an active role in promoting the Challenge, says Arrington, is to put a link to the Challenge web site in the "signature" block at the end of their personal or business e-mail messages.

So what does the winning university receive? "Bragging rights in the nation!" Arrington exclaims. "But more important, the winning school will instill in its alumni a feeling of pride and accomplishment for not only helping with the needs of current students, but also enhancing the value of their own degrees."

He adds, "If our younger alumni pull together as I know they can, Iowa has an excellent chance to be at the top of the standings and win this challenge come next July. This is what Hawkeye pride is all about. Go Hawks, and On Iowa!"

Contact Information

Anthony Arrington
Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs
(319) 335-3305 or (800) 648-6973

Additional information about supporting The University of Iowa also is available on this site or visit www.bigtenchallenge.org!