July 7, 2009

DWU meets Wesleyan Fund goal

MITCHELL — Once again, Dakota Wesleyan University has met its Wesleyan Fund goal, this year with an all-time high of $660,000 in contributions.

The Wesleyan Fund is an unrestricted annual general fund, which also contributes toward the scholarship fund.

For several years, DWU was raising $500,000 annually for the Wesleyan Fund, and in 2007-08 academic year, the college decided to raise that goal to $650,000, which was a 30 percent increase from the year before. In the 2008-09 school year, the university took into account the hard economic times but still wanted to set a new goal of $660,000 — which was met.

“We are so grateful for the many people who gave generously,” said DWU President Bob Duffett. “The fact that giving to the university increased significantly in these challenging economic times is a testament to the many people who understand the value of a DWU education.”

There were 190 John Wesley Society members in the 2008-09 school year, compared to 147 the preceding year. John Wesley Society members are contributors of $1,000 or more.

DWU awards more than $3 million in scholarships annually, with about $690,000 coming from donor-funded scholarships, including annual and endowment funds. The gap is filled in by the institution and the Wesleyan Fund.

Some of the reasons the fund is so important include:

• Approximately 40 percent of DWU students are first-generation college students
• 20 percent have zero family contribution toward college expenses
• 16 percent are minority students
• A student’s average debt upon graduation is $30,000-$40,000

In 2008-09, 100 percent of DWU undergraduate students received financial aid.

For those interested in contributing to the Wesleyan Fund, information can be found at: www.dwu.edu/giving/fund.