A study of the relationships between alumni giving and selected characteristics of alumni donors of Livingstone College
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between alumni giving and selected characteristics of alumni donors at Livingstone College. The role of alumni philanthropy in higher education was reviewed in general and in particular as it relates to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Alumi donors (1,300) of Livingstone College who had contributed between July 1, 1990 and June 30, 1996, were surveyed through a mail questionnaire. Thirty percent, or 398, of the alumni responded, producing 392 useable surveys. Chi-square was used to analyze the resulting data. A second phase of this project included interviews with selected alumni major donors who had given $10,000 or more and Directors of Alumni Affairs in institutions of similar size. The purpose of these interviews was to gather information on what inspired the major donors to give and what techniques were being used to increase alumni giving at other institutions. A profile of donors was developed for further use in the institution. It was concluded that the following alumni characteristics are related to alumni giving for the Livingstone College donors: gender, age, family income, year of graduation, degree earned, degrees from other schools, church affiliation, grade point average, membership in Greek organizations, frequency of campus visits, membership in the National Alumni Association, membership on college boards and committees, and service in the community. Other distinguishing characteristics related to attitudes and opinions were, belief in adequate career preparation, belief in current mission, and belief that Historically Black Colleges and Universities are still needed today. The following characteristics were not related to giving: marital status, number of children, area of residence, children under twelve, occupation, undergraduate major, church attendance, receipt of financial aid in undergraduate school, belief that the college provides a quality education, awareness of feelings of resentment regarding the institution, whether or not the image of the college is good and influence of college publications.
Subject Area
Higher education|School finance
Recommended Citation
Hunter, Catrelia Steele, "A study of the relationships between alumni giving and selected characteristics of alumni donors of Livingstone College" (1997). ETD Collection for Fayetteville State University. AAI3027009.
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/dissertations/AAI3027009