Dear Classmates:

On behalf of our Class of 1980 Reunion Gift Committee, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support of The Citadel. It is only with the support and dedication of alumni and friends that the college continues to excel as a distinguished institution.

As we prepare for our 30th reunion, it is important to recognize that The Citadel has experienced many successes and accomplishments over the years and continues to be recognized as a leader in education. However, it should not come as a surprise to you that The Citadel is in an increasingly challenging financial situation.

South Carolina is experiencing budgetary pressures more extreme than many states, and financial support to The Citadel is being cut at an alarming rate. State support to The Citadel is projected to be less than 10% of the school’s 2009-2010 operations budget (down from 18.5% of the 2008-2009 budget), and the need for significant fundraising efforts has been recognized as these issues in funding continue.

After thorough consideration, our Class Reunion Campaign Committee has decided that the Class of 1980 will adopt a total goal of $2 million (including deferred gifts). We’ve already raised nearly $1.2 million to be applied to the overall goal. Going forward, the committee has elected the following to be our areas of focus and support during our Reunion Campaign:

• Class of 1980 Leadership Library and Reading Room at Daniel Library: Goal of $250,000 (within overall goal) *This priority project will receive funding first in order to bring immediate life to the project and ensure fulfillment.

• Class of 1980 Gym Floor at McAlister Fieldhouse: *Once the minimum financial goal of our priority project has been met; funding will be applied to this project; in addition to contributions to The Citadel Fund; up to the goal of $250,000.

• The Citadel Fund: The Citadel has an ongoing (and growing) need for unrestricted support. Contributions to The Citadel Fund ensure immediate annual dollars available for use by The Citadel. It is essential that every Class Reunion Campaign will provide support to The Citadel Fund.

It is important that you review the Q&A guide available at http://foundation.citadel.edu/Document.Doc?id=42 for clear insight into the workings of the Class Reunion Campaign. Any gift you make during our reunion campaign counting window will help our overall effort. However, we ask that in addition to any annual support you already contribute to The Citadel; you will also consider the most meaningful way in which you can support our Class of 1980 Reunion Campaign. If you haven’t been an annual contributor ~ now is the time to start giving back to our alma mater. Simply visit http://foundation/citadel.edu/1980reunion to donate now. All pledges to our Class Reunion Campaign need to be made in 2010, but you will have until the end of 2013 to finish paying your pledges. Our reunion year is the perfect time for the Class of 1980 to make a financial commitment to ensure our legacy at The Citadel. Please let me know if you have additional thoughts regarding our campaign projects.

Our class and the Reunion Committee will be assisted by Rhonda Breeland, Development Officer for The Citadel Foundation. Please contact her with any questions you may have regarding our Class Reunion Campaign at 843-953-5258, toll-free at 1-800-233-1842, or via e-mail at rhonda.breeland@citadel.edu.

Many thanks for your consideration and financial support of our Class Reunion Campaign.

Sincerely,

Gary Durante, Reunion Chairman
Matt Chandler
Manny Jimenez
Chuck Lee
John Olshefski
Danny Quirk
Scott Vanvick
Fred Whittle