Class of 1958: Pioneers of Class Giving

The Class of 1958 pioneered class giving at the UW as the first class to establish an undergraduate scholarship endowment at the university. Established 25 years ago in 1983, the Class of 1958 President's Endowment was a groundbreaking initiative that led many UW classes to set up similar funds. Many class giving efforts have followed their example, including the Class of 2008 Senior Class Gift effort underway this year.

As they prepare for their 50th reunion later this month, the members of the Class of 1958 have assured that their class reunion gift will benefit current and future Huskies by adding to their class endowment. So far, they have raised more than $128,000 in gifts and pledges this past year toward their goal of having the largest undergraduate class endowment on the UW campus, ensuring the continued academic excellence of the University of Washington.

Since its inception, the Class of 1958 President's Endowment has provided scholarships, supported visiting scholars , funded awards for excellence for both undergraduates and graduate students, and provided funding for the UW Common Book program. Going forward, future expenditures will be focused scholarships and faculty retention, two of the greatest needs at the University.

President Mark A. Emmert will accept the Class Gift on behalf of the University at Conibear Shellhouse on the evening of April 26. It promises to be another success by the remarkable Class of 1958.