Fingerprints

Now in its second year, Fingerprints is going from strength to strength. Launched in academic year 2001–02, by the Office of Development in coordination with the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and the USFC, this student fundraising program allows graduating students to contribute to the education of their fellow students by donating $25 or more to the Fingerprints Endowed Scholarship Fund. The program provides an opportunity for graduating students to demonstrate the AUB spirit of philanthropy and collegiality.

By the end of July 2003, 476 students from the class of 2003 came forward to leave their ‘Fingerprints’ at AUB by contributing $14,573 to endowed financial aid. This compares well with the $11,000 raised last year from 370 donors. This kind support may only be numbers and figures today, but to the bright and needy students who will eventually reap the benefits, it could make all the difference in their lives tomorrow.

The initial sponsors of the program, AUB trustee Dr. Kamal Shair and the University Student Faculty Committee (USFC), renewed their support for the program in the 2002–03 academic year. Trustee Shair accepted again to match every $1 donated by students with $2. The USFC also agreed to provide a similar two-to-one match. As a result, additions to the “Fingerprints Endowed Scholarship Fund” exceeded $72,000 this year. Moreover, AUB benefits from the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation Challenge Grant whereby the foundation donates $1 to the AUB Endowed Scholarship Fund for every $4 received from AUB alumni or friends residing in the Middle East and Europe. Accordingly, every $1 received from the class of 2003 is actually worth $6.25.

With this amount, the Fingerprints Endowed Scholarship Fund will be worth more than $120,000, which will be invested. The return on this investment will provide financial assistance to needy and qualified students at AUB.

All class 2003 donors were invited to a Fingerprints reception hosted by President John Waterbury on June 30, 2003 to celebrate the success of the program in its second year. More than 100 donors attended the event at Marquand House in the presence of the president, vice presidents, deans, and other university officers. The major increase in participation this year bodes well for the future, whereby hopefully, more and more Fingerprints will endorse this historical tradition of giving at AUB.