Members of the classes of 2003 through 2012 have made Vanderbilt history by rising to the university’s challenge specifically for young alumni—the GOLD Challenge—and helping to secure a $100,000 gift to Opportunity Vanderbilt. Opportunity Vanderbilt is the university’s initiative to replace all need-based undergraduate student loans with scholarship and grant assistance.
The GOLD Challenge was first announced in early March, when graduates of the last decade were asked to make a gift of any size to any area of Vanderbilt by May 31. An anonymous donor pledged to make the $100,000 gift if at least 2,800 young alumni donors gave back.
The response was overwhelming, with well more than 2,800 young alumni answering the call and lending their financial support to areas across Vanderbilt.
“We are so pleased with the efforts our young alumni have made in giving back to Vanderbilt this fiscal year,” said Executive Director of Annual Giving Kyle McGowan. “[lquote]They have set a great example for the entire alumni community and remind us of the great impact a dedicated group of alumni can have on furthering Vanderbilt’s mission and priorities.[/lquote] We are grateful for their generosity and commitment to their alma mater.”
Kathleen Cardell is a member of the Class of 2016 who receives the Madden Family Scholarship, which was established as part of Opportunity Vanderbilt. She is also thankful to the alumni who made the GOLD Challenge a success.
“A Vanderbilt education wouldn’t have been a reality for me without my Opportunity Vanderbilt scholarship,” Cardell said. “The $100,000 gift made possible through the GOLD Challenge will allow the university to provide even more scholarships to students like me. I’m inspired and grateful to all the young alumni who accepted the challenge so that a Vanderbilt education can be a reality for future students.”
To learn more about the GOLD Challenge, visit giving.vanderbilt.edu/GOLDChallenge. To learn more about Opportunity Vanderbilt, visit giving.vanderbilt.edu/oppvu.
Contact: Nicole Floyd, (615) 343-1415
nicole.floyd@vanderbilt.edu