Albright College Parents Council -
Involving Albright parents in activities that promote and support
the College and enrich the Albright experience for students.
Letter from the Parents Council Co-Chairs
Greetings, parents! When we toured Albright's campus with our daughter, Kelly, we formed an immediate connection with the College. After all, Albright is Kelly's "home away from home" for four years.
The rigorous curriculum, knowledgeable and available professors, diverse student body and variety of activities are just a few of the things we love about Albright. Kelly is majoring in fashion, elementary education and special education. She was thrilled by the opportunity to study endangered humpback whales in Hawaii during Interim. Her experiences in and out of the classroom are helping her define who she is and who she will be in the future. Albright plays a large role in her life and, therefore, in ours.
We are writing to introduce you to the Parents Council, a new program of The Fund for Albright, whose mission is to enhance the relationship between Albright and the parents of its students. One of our goals for the spring is to form a Parents Council Committee.
As co-chairs of the Parents Council, we will work with the committee to plan events for parents over Homecoming-Family Weekend, offer career opportunities for students, and generate financial support for the College, especially the Gingrich Library. Starting next year, we will offer more events just for parents. This will be a great way to get to know other Albright parents.
If you're interested in becoming a member of the Parents Council Committee, please complete the online form or contact Karen Fitzgerald, Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at 610.921.7793
or kfitzgerald@alb.edu.
Sincerely,
Lois and Bob Burn
Parents Fund Co-Chairs
Parents of Kelly Burn '09
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Goals of the Parents Council:
- Increase unrestricted support for Albright, which provides funds for scholarships, athletics, student research, theatre, music and art opportunities, lectures and cultural events, computer labs, and so much more!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why and how do parents support Albright College?
While students make the decision to invest four years of their lives at Albright, many parents also make an investment in Albright as an institution worthy of their greatest treasures-their sons and their daughters.
Students and parents visiting Albright often mention that they are struck by the friendly, family atmosphere and the interdisciplinary options available here. Albright is a place where faculty and staff know students by name and enjoy helping them make the most of every academic, athletic and social experience.
When parents return home after Move-In Day, they feel confident that Albright faculty and staff will do everything they can to assist the students as they discover not only college, but themselves as well.
After Move-In Day, parents support Albright in many ways-from cheering on the Lions during athletic contests, to applauding students at concerts and plays, to supporting career opportunities. Many parents of current and former students also make generous financial gifts to The Fund for Albright, because they know their contributions have an impact on the lives of their sons, their daughters, and all other Albright students as well.
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What is The Fund for Albright?
The Fund for Albright raises money to support the operating budget for things such as technology upgrades, library resources, Greek Life, student activities and intramural sports.
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What is the Parents Council?
The Parents Council, a new program under The Fund for Albright, was created to enhance the relationship between Albright and the parents of its students. The Parents Council was formed in 2007, when the staff of The Fund for Albright brought together a group of parents who are both passionate about Albright and willing to serve the College as members of the Parents Council Committee. With members from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and even Oklahoma, the committee reflects the broad diversity that helps define our student body.
The Parents Council co-chairs lead the effort, with committee members providing continual support. Albright staff will help the committee contact the parents of all current and former students to request their support for the College.
Gifts to the Parents Council make an immediate difference for current students by supporting scholarships, the Student Government Association, varsity sports, Pep Band, trips and social activities, the Albright Creative Research Experience, lectures and cultural events, the Domino Players, science lab equipment, the Volunteer Center, computer labs, Jazz Ensemble and so much more!
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Doesn't tuition cover all of the costs of an Albright education?
You may be surprised to learn that the average out-of-pocket cost of tuition for today's Albright student is only around $14,500. Most students do not pay the published "sticker price," thanks to financial aid they receive from scholarships and grants.
In fact, about 95 percent of Albright students receive substantial financial aid. However, even for the 5 percent of students who receive no financial aid, the tuition bill covers just 66 percent of the cost of a year at Albright. Charitable gifts from alumni, friends, parents, foundations and corporations help make up the difference. Because The Fund for Albright helps bridge the gap, promising, qualified and worthy students find a quality Albright education within reach.
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What about Albright's endowment?
An endowment consists of the combined funds and property donated to an institution for the purpose of generating perpetual income. An endowment provides long-term prosperity and financial security to an institution and enhances the monetary resources available. The larger the endowment, the more an institution is protected from the inevitable ups and downs of the economy. Unfortunately, Albright's endowment is significantly smaller than that of its peer schools.
Each year, Albright spends part of the earnings from the endowment on goals designated by donors, such as scholarships. A small portion of the earnings is used for operating expenses. However, it's simply not enough to close the gap between tuition and the real cost of an Albright education. This is why The Fund for Albright and the Parents Council are so important for the enrichment of the students' academic, athletic, artistic and social experiences at Albright.
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Why should I contribute to the Parents Council?
You want what's best for your child, and you want to make sure that he or she gets a solid educational foundation. Your contributions to the Parents Council will help ensure that your student continues to have access to the exceptional educational opportunities, services and resources that are hallmarks of the Albright experience. At the same time, you'll be helping us keep tuition and fees as low as possible, so that deserving students will find an Albright education affordable.
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Does my gift to the Parents Council make a difference, even if I can only contribute a small amount?
Every gift is important and appreciated! The overall positive effect of the Parents Council comes from the power of combined gifts, so your gift-no matter how large or how small-will immediately help enhance the undergraduate experience for every student at Albright. So we urge you to support the Parents Council at the level that's comfortable for you.
And remember… Gifts to the Parents Council are an investment in the success of all Albright students-future leaders and professionals in our communities and our world.
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How can I support the Parents Council at Albright?
To contribute to the Parents Council as a committee member , volunteer or donate, or to learn more about how the council helps your Albright student, contact Taren Smith, assistant director of The Fund for Albright, at 610-929-6728 or tnsmith@alb.edu.
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Frequently Called Numbers at Albright College
News & Events
Thanksgiving Vacation - November 21-25, 2007
Winter Break - December 15, 2007 to January 20, 2008
Spring/Easter Break - March 15-24, 2008
Finals Week - May 12-16, 2008
Baccalaureate and Commencement - May 18, 2008
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