University launches Annual Fund

This year sees the launch of the University's Annual Fund, a new fundraising initiative which has been established to benefit both current and future generations of Dundee students.

The Annual Fund will provide a focus for donations from alumni and other friends of the University. Intended to be a flexible resource, it will enable the University to direct extra funding to wherever it will have the most immediate impact.

University Principal Sir Alan Langlands has given the Annual Fund his backing. He said, "This is an excellent initiative and a valuable next step in the University's wider vision for progress and development. We are delighted to be able to involve today's students in the campaign; to strengthen links with our alumni by opening up a fresh channel of communication; and to make it possible for Dundee graduates of yesterday to assist the students of today and tomorrow in such a practical way."

Enhancement of student and campus facilities, including sports equipment, transport and the library, as well as support for students in genuine financial hardship are just some of the areas which have already been earmarked for the fund.

The first Annual Fund project - a telephone campaign - is currently underway and is being led by the department of Alumni Relations. Head of the department Dianne Pemberton-Pigott explains, "A letter from Vice Principal and Dundee alumnus James Calderhead was sent to a number of alumni earlier this year to explain the upcoming telephone campaign. A group of students were then recruited and are currently involved in calling these alumni to update them on campus activities, compare experiences - past and present - and encourage feedback on the services we provide. They are also offering alumni the chance to make a donation to the annual fund."

Dianne adds, "Our first priority is to develop the relationships between alumni and the University but this personal contact also provides a facility for those alumni who want to give something back to their alma mater."

From the staff perspective, the Annual Fund will also provide benefits in the form of bespoke audio visual equipment and new books for the short loan library facilities. The fund will also enhance the current welfare services, which it is hoped will lead to fewer students dropping out due to genuine financial hardship.

Anyone interested in donating to the Annual Fund can contact Dianne Pemberton-Pigott at alumni@dundee.ac.uk