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University's Annual Fund reaches new heights! – University of Reading

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University's Annual Fund reaches new heights!

Release Date 23 February 2012

The University of Reading Annual Fund has this week reached an important milestone, as generous alumni, staff and friends have now donated over £3 million to support students at the University.

This landmark has been achieved thanks to the generosity of over 6,000 supporters who have donated to the Annual Fund since it was established in 2004.

The Annual Fund raises money to enhance the student experience; whether that is through funding projects that add value to the academic and extra-curricular experience, or through providing essential bursaries and hardship grants to students who would otherwise not be able to consider or continue with a University education.

Projects that have been funded in the last year include the Anniversary Bursaries. These bursaries were created by alumni who wanted to commemorate a special milestone since graduating. The Anniversary Bursaries are used to support talented first-year students in each of the faculties, including Sian Kirley, an English Literature and Politics undergraduate: ''My bursary has been a lifeline. This has changed my life for the better.''

Reaching the £3 million mark has come at a time when the University is running its most successful Annual Fund telephone campaign to date, in which 50 current students are telephoning Reading alumni to update them on University news and to invite them to make a gift to the Annual Fund. Almost 400 alumni have already made a gift as part of the 2012 spring campaign, collectively raising £121,000.

Andy Wood, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, said:

''I'm delighted we have reached £3 million raised to support students at Reading. This confirms why the University of Reading Annual Fund is widely regarded as one of the most successful in UK higher education. On behalf of all at the University, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has chosen to make a difference by donating to the Annual Fund.''

ENDS

To find out more about the Annual Fund and the difference it makes to the lives of University of Reading students, please visit:  http://www.reading.ac.uk/alumni/annualfund/alu-support-annualfund.aspx

To make a donation, please visit: http://www.reading.ac.uk/alumni/support/alu-support-makeagift.aspx or contact Becki Mckinlay, Annual Giving Manager: 0118 378 5238 or r.j.mckinlay@reading.ac.uk

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