The UVM Parents Fund
Welcome Bob Devore as the new chair for the Parents Fund Committee. Bob has a son, Colin, who is a member of the Class of 2010 from the College of Arts and Sciences. Colin is a member of the UVM Alpine Ski Team, and was named NCAA Academic All American. Bob received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Harvard University. He was also an officer in a Tactical Fighter Group in the Air National Guard. Bob is the Senior Vice President: Strategy and Special Projects for the Risk Management Foundation for the Harvard Medical Institutions. He is also the President of Stonybrook, a management consulting firm. Bob and his wife Dorothy Valhouli have five children and live on the seacoast of New Hampshire in Rye. The Parents Fund Committee will thrive under Bob’s leadership and passion for strategic planning and forward thinking.
What is the Parents Fund Committee?
The UVM Parents Fund Committee, comprising parent volunteers who solicit other parents by mail, phone, and in person on an annual basis, is the vehicle for parent support and engagement at The University of Vermont. Widely recognized as one of the most successful groups of its kind in the country, particularly for a public institution the size of UVM, the UVM Parents Fund Committee is a dynamic, enthusiastic group whose members care very much for UVM and the experience of their own children here at the University.
In fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30, 2009, the UVM Parents Fund raised a total of $1,803,651 from nearly 5,700 parent donors. Thank you for your vote of confidence by making a gift!
In fiscal year 2009, to continue its success and raise the bar to new heights, the Parents Fund set a minimum goal of $2.2 million from 6,000 parents—support which directly enhances the lives of your children here at UVM.
| Dollar Goal $2.2 Million |
Participation Goal 6,000 Donors |
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Cash & Pledges |
Cash & Pledges |
| Cash to date $584,691 |
Cash Donors to date |
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as of October 31, 2009 | |
What is the role of a volunteer for the Parents Fund Committee?
As a Committee member, your charge will be to help the Parents Fund in continuing a strong tradition of commitment and support to the university. Responsibilities of individuals on this committee include:
- Make a leadership gift to the Parents Fund by Nov. 15. (Past Gift Committee volunteers have found that by making their own leadership gifts early - before making calls to ask others for their support - it makes the calls that much easier.
- Attend Gift Committee Volunteer training Saturday morning of Homecoming & Family Weekend (or conference call training if unable to attend Homecoming).
- Solicit at least 5-8 parents for gifts by making phone calls or writing letters or emails (return forms to UVM by Nov. 15). UVM will provide volunteers with names and contact information of those to contact.
- Listen carefully and share your favorite UVM experiences or reasons for serving in this volunteer role with the people you contact, write down pertinent information, return the forms to UVM, and have fun!
- Solicit at least 3-5 parents in the spring - repeat procedures done in the Fall (return forms to UVM by May 15) or make at least 8-10 thank you calls to donors.
- Provide an update of your progress periodically to the appropriate Committee Chair or Parents Fund Volunteer Manager.
- Attend UVM events throughout the year when possible.
- Serve as a communication link between UVM and parents.
- See the list of the current Parents Fund Committee volunteers
Let us know how you would like to help by filling out the Parent & Family volunteer form.
For more information about the Parents Fund, contact
Christine Shand '97, G'09
UVM Officer
(802) 656-3215
Christine.Shand@uvm.edu





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