Making payments to Ohio State does not end on graduation day. Almost immediately after leaving the university, OSU alumni are asked for donations.
“As much as I would love to give back to the university, I am currently not in a position where that is financially feasible,” said Kim Kutschbach, who graduated in spring 2002.
According to the Office of University Development, alumni donors gave OSU almost $40 million for fiscal year 2001-2002. The previous year, alumni donated nearly $70 million, which included one gift of $30.2 million. This was the largest single gift in the history of Ohio State.
Since 1998, OSU alumni have donated an average of $36 million per year, not counting the extraordinary donation in 2000. Alumni make up nearly one-fifth of total monetary giving to OSU.
When it comes to donating to OSU, people have many options.
Donating cash and making pledges to the university are often the most convenient and tax-wise options, according to the Office of University Development.
Securities may be made as outright gifts or as a payment on a pledge. There is also an option of trusts and annuities for long-term planned giving.
Other donors include non-alumni individuals, corporations and foundations, associations and organizations and private foundations. In 2001-2002 alone, these groups’ donations totaled about $140 million.
“If there was a small way to give to OSU, then I would be more willing and able to donate,” said Lisa Kleiber, a graduating senior in humanities. “I love Ohio State, and I would love to give to the university, but sometimes it is just not financially possible.”
The Campus Campaign is a year-round effort consisting of faculty, staff and graduating students who show their “belief in Ohio State.” The Campus Campaign includes graduating students through the Class Gift Program. Each member of the Class of 2003 will be asked to make a gift of $20.03 or more to celebrate the graduation year.
Student loans, rent payments and other day-to-day expenditures may prevent recent graduates from donating to OSU.
Although it is difficult now, some recent graduates plan to donate to Ohio State in the future.
“Hopefully in a few years from now when my student loans are paid off, I will be able to donate to the university,” Kutschbach said.
