Good News

September 12, 2005

Dear Friends:

I am delighted to share with you exciting news for the Tufts community.

One of the great things about being president is having the opportunity to meet and work with people who are dedicated to advancing the mission of Tufts. Pierre and Pam Omidyar, both alumni, share a strong commitment to Tufts that is demonstrated through their service to the University, their support, and their visionary thinking. In recent months, Pierre, Pam and I have talked about their philanthropic goals and the academic priorities that are emerging in preparation for our upcoming capital campaign. These conversations have revealed a strong convergence around the themes of fostering environments in which people discover their power to change their own lives - and to make the world a better place.

Earlier this summer, Pierre and Pam committed a $25 million challenge grant around these themes of empowerment and active citizenship. This gift from Pierre and Pam will be used to expand the number of undergraduate scholarships we are able to offer to deserving students. One of the primary goals of our upcoming capital campaign is to become need blind in the admissions process. I can think of no better way to foster an empowering environment than to provide access to talented students who otherwise would not be able to earn a Tufts education. It is our intention to invest all $25 million, once received, in endowment for financial aid.

This very generous gift, the second largest in the history of Tufts, includes $5 million which we received in June. Pierre and Pam have structured the remaining $20 million to help us encourage other donors to help us meet our key campaign objectives - including the $200 million which will be needed to make Tufts a need blind institution.

This is yet another example of Pierre and Pam's commitment to education for active citizenship and to Tufts. In 2000, they provided a $10 million gift to launch the University College of Citizenship and Public Service and then followed with an additional commitment of $8.2 million last year to further support the work of the University College through 2010. These funds have supported student scholarships, faculty development and a broad array of programs currently sponsored through the University College.

Pierre and Pam contribute in significant ways to Tufts well beyond their financial support. Pierre, the founder and chairman of eBay, is a trustee of the University, and Pam serves on the advisory board of the University College. They are the founders of the Omidyar Network, an innovative investment organization focused on nonprofit, for-profit and policy platforms that enable "more and more people to discover their own power to make good things happen."

On behalf of the entire University, I want to thank Pierre and Pam for this latest expression of support for our mission and for serving as such wonderful role models for all of us.

Sincerely,
Lawrence S. Bacow
President

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	v 2005 Memos > Message from President Bacow > Assistance for Tulane students > Update: Hurricane Relief and Tulane University Students > Good News > Summer News and Updates > Exciting News	Home » Community Memos » 2005 Memos » Good News Good News September 12, 2005 Dear Friends: I am delighted to share with you exciting news for the Tufts community. One of the great things about being president is having the opportunity to meet and work with people who are dedicated to advancing the mission of Tufts. Pierre and Pam Omidyar, both alumni, share a strong commitment to Tufts that is demonstrated through their service to the University, their support, and their visionary thinking. In recent months, Pierre, Pam and I have talked about their philanthropic goals and the academic priorities that are emerging in preparation for our upcoming capital campaign. These conversations have revealed a strong convergence around the themes of fostering environments in which people discover their power to change their own lives - and to make the world a better place. Earlier this summer, Pierre and Pam committed a $25 million challenge grant around these themes of empowerment and active citizenship. This gift from Pierre and Pam will be used to expand the number of undergraduate scholarships we are able to offer to deserving students. One of the primary goals of our upcoming capital campaign is to become need blind in the admissions process. I can think of no better way to foster an empowering environment than to provide access to talented students who otherwise would not be able to earn a Tufts education. It is our intention to invest all $25 million, once received, in endowment for financial aid. This very generous gift, the second largest in the history of Tufts, includes $5 million which we received in June. Pierre and Pam have structured the remaining $20 million to help us encourage other donors to help us meet our key campaign objectives - including the $200 million which will be needed to make Tufts a need blind institution. This is yet another example of Pierre and Pam's commitment to education for active citizenship and to Tufts. In 2000, they provided a $10 million gift to launch the University College of Citizenship and Public Service and then followed with an additional commitment of $8.2 million last year to further support the work of the University College through 2010. These funds have supported student scholarships, faculty development and a broad array of programs currently sponsored through the University College. Pierre and Pam contribute in significant ways to Tufts well beyond their financial support. Pierre, the founder and chairman of eBay, is a trustee of the University, and Pam serves on the advisory board of the University College. They are the founders of the Omidyar Network, an innovative investment organization focused on nonprofit, for-profit and policy platforms that enable "more and more people to discover their own power to make good things happen." On behalf of the entire University, I want to thank Pierre and Pam for this latest expression of support for our mission and for serving as such wonderful role models for all of us. Sincerely, Lawrence S. Bacow President
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