Connect grew out of the desire of black alumni to create a focused fundraising effort and to be more involved in shaping the University’s future.
This alumni-led effort exceeded both its goals at the end of Aspire, raising $6.76 million and achieving 66.6 percent cumulative participation. After surpassing its original target of $4 million and 60 percent participation in the summer of 2011, volunteers set their sights on $5 million and 65 percent participation. By campaign's end, the effort had raised $6.76 million with 66.6 percent participation.
Connect continues to engage black graduates more deeply in the life of Princeton as leaders, volunteers, and donors.
“As individuals we may not have millions to give, but when the black alumni give as a group, we have a sense of belonging to the University and the University belonging to us.”
—Marguerite Vera ’79, associate director, Alumni Council, Princeton University