The full-time MBA and Undergraduate graduating classes are making a statement at the School of Business, setting high participation goals for their 2007 Commencement Campaigns.

A commencement campaign may not be a novel concept, but the goals the students have set for success are certainly a bold approach. Instead of setting a dollar goal as many campaigns do, student leaders for this year’s MBA campaign have challenged the entire 2007 graduating class to achieve 100 percent participation. In only its third year and still two weeks left until graduation, the MBA campaign has already reached 99 percent participation.

“Participation in giving back to the School of Business is something we are all capable of, and annual giving is vital to the continued success of the business program and the prestige of our degrees,” commented Patrick Hammes, 2007 MBA Campaign Co-Chair, “We are very proud of the leadership our class has shown in giving back to the school.”

The Undergraduate Class of 2007 is jumping on board and gaining momentum as well. For their first-ever commencement campaign, a goal of 25 percent participation for a class of more than 400 has been established for the undergraduate campaign.

“As current students of the UW-Madison School of Business, we are first-hand recipients of past support from alumni. Because of those contributions, the School has made a lasting impact on us, so it just makes sense to give something back,” said 2007 Undergraduate Campaign Co-Chair William Schwindt.

Many top-ranked business schools are recognized for the high percentage of alumni who provide financial support each year. Currently, approximately 12% of our alumni make a gift each year – we hope to help increase that participation rate to 20% or more, matching the participation levels of many of our peer business schools.

Currently just over 12% of UW-Madison business school alumni give annually to the School of Business. Other top-tier business schools like Michigan and Kellogg have a participation rate closer to 25%. We believe UW alumni are every bit as loyal as Michigan and Kellogg alumni. If you would like to join the 2007 graduates and make a gift to the School of Business, please call the UW Foundation at 608/265-9669 or complete an online giving form.