Class of 2005 Gift: Yale SOM’s Most Recent Grads Pledged Their Support  In Record Numbers

New Haven, Conn.—Graduates of the Yale School of Management Class of 2005 can add a new accomplishment to their already impressive résumés: record breaker. In making their class gift to the school, a tradition of each graduating class, they set a new record for participation. Eighty-one percent of the Class of ’05 pledged their support, raising a total of $167,695.

The Class of 2004 held the previous participation record of 70 percent and still holds the all-time gift record of $173,000.

The Class of 2005 earmarked its gift to be used toward the design and construction of a new facility, the unrestricted needs of the school, and scholarships.

“The Class Gift Committee did a fantastic job with this year’s pledge campaign,” said Fi Cheng ’05, a member of the committee. “We’re especially pleased with the participation rate of over 80 percent, which might be the highest in SOM’s history, and the second highest pledge amount in the school’s history. With the Class of 2004, we are paving the way for a much higher level of commitment by alumni. We hope that future classes will continue in this new and strong tradition.”

Fi applauded the efforts of her classmates who made the pledge campaign such a success. “I was so impressed by the generosity of my classmates both with their gifts and with their time. Many people manned the pledge table, worked on personally soliciting their friends and classmates, and helped put our pledge events together,” she said.

“A culture of giving has blossomed among the second year students in recent years,” said Robert Henry, Director of Individual Giving. “Just two years ago, the average class gift was less than $2,500 and now we are well above the $150,000 mark. Both the Class of 2004 and 2005 were incredibly passionate in rallying their support. Their generous gifts are an affirmation of their commitment to the school.”

A commitment to the future of the school and a desire to give back to the Yale SOM community are the reasons Class of 2005 graduate Mia Montagna pledged her support.

“I gave to the class gift because I know that my affiliation with the Yale School of Management will help me in ways that I haven’t even dreamed of yet,” she explained. “I know how much I have benefited already during my two years here, and I now that the Yale SOM impact on my life is still just beginning. Whether it is through new facilities, increased scholarship assistance, or a comprehensive marketing campaign, I know that my gift will substantially contribute to the advancement of Yale SOM, representing my gratitude for all I have already received and my commitment that the best is yet to come.”

Mia and eight other classmates represent the newest members of the Keystone Society, a giving category to honor gifts and pledges of $5,000 payable over four years. Several members of the Class of ’05 also pledged gifts to the Cornerstone Society, which was established by the Class of 2004 to recognize gifts and pledges of $1,000 payable over four years.

“We are enormously grateful to the Class of 2005 and to all of the dedicated alumni who donate their time and money toward our common goal of building Yale SOM,” said Nevin Kessler, Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations. “It’s an exciting time at the school. As we prepare to move to the next level under the leadership of Dean Joel Podolny, this support will be vital to achieving our goals and aspirations.”