Contact:
Ellen Fleming
University Advancement
617-287-5327
“I knew my first contribution to Urban Scholars had to be financially significant because I’m giving back to ‘the family’ who helped me grow academically and socially from middle school to college. I encourage other alumni to view current students a younger siblings we can help through mentoring, volunteering, and our financial support.”
Robert Blaney, Urban Scholars '95
An Invitation to Alumni
February 2009
Dear Urban Scholars Alumni:
Twenty five years ago, we began what some said was an improbable quest
in inner-city Boston: to identify talented students in our neighborhood schools
and give them the tools to develop their full potential. Since 1983, the Urban
Scholars Program has opened the doors of opportunity for college achievement
and transformed the lives of nearly 1,500 young people. One of them is you.
You have defied the odds. Urban Scholars have persisted and graduated
from college at rates that far surpass their Boston Public non-exam school peers.
The program’s graduates and their significant social contributions are its legacy.
Today we need your help to keep the door open for urban students
who have dreams of attending college. Whether you graduated recently
or in the 1980’s or ‘90s, we expect you’ll feel great pride as you meet the
individuals featured in our brochure. Senator Kennedy said it best: Urban
Scholars have “a deep understanding of what it means to overcome life’s obstacles.”
To achieve Urban Scholars’ greatest aspirations, we must go beyond the
vital support we’ve received traditionally from UMass Boston, the government,
and corporations and foundations. We need charitable contributions
from alumni like you. Your gift of $100 or another amount will help:
- increase by 25% the number of students enrolled in the program;
- launch an alumni program to mentor current students, guide and
enlist support for program development, and extend
Urban Scholars’ professional influence; and
- inspire best practices for college access programs nationwide.
As you consider your contribution, think about a gift that will honor the deep
impact of Urban Scholars on your life. No amount may seem sufficient, but every
gift matters. Together we can keep society’s doors open new generations of
leaders who will respond to the challenges of our times with vigor and creativity.
Sincerely,
Charles Desmond
Urban Scholars Co-Founder
Chair, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
Joan Becker
Urban Scholars Co-Founder
Vice Provost, Academic Support Services
P.S. We’re gratified that alumni from our anniversary committee have already made their largest charitable gifts ever!
Make your gift by credit card on-line by noting
"Urban Scholars 25th" in the "other" field.