In 1992, President Frank Mertz said, "The most pressing issue facing the University has been the need to put our financial house in order." Each area of the University was thoroughly examined for potential savings and many options for enhancing revenue were pursued. Substantial savings were achieved through the faculty early retirement program, administrative restructuring and controlling a number of non-salary-related operating expenses. Also, an increased emphasis was placed on continuing education programs, a key source of nontuition revenue.

As a result of such efforts, the budget was balanced by the 1992-93 fiscal year and was followed by two consecutive balanced budgets. While the past year saw a slight operating deficit, the 1996-97 budget includes an operating surplus of approximately $500,000 in effort to enhance the University's financial stability.

Also, in the last five years, the University's cash endowment has grown from about $2 million to $7.9 million, largely as a result of increased and more effective fund-raising activities and good investment results in its diversified portfolio.

The Office of Institutional Advancement has greatly improved its fund-raising efforts. In the early part of President Mertz's tenure, the $25-million Challenge 90's Campaign was successfully concluded and provided a significant springboard to future fund-raising events. In 1995, the University launched The Campaign for the New FDU, an $8-million campaign to help fund four projects: the renovations to Dickinson Hall, the construction of the new Recreation Center, an endowed fund for the expansion of programs at the George Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies, and the construction of a new academic building. The two-year drive, chaired by alumnus Thomas Ferguson, BS'65 (R), is about to reach its goal.

In the last five years, total giving to the University has increased from about $2.5 million to nearly $3.2 million, with the number of donors and gifts both up significantly. Not only did the overall giving increase but the amount given by alumni rose from $332,147 in 1990-91 to $1.5 million in 1995-96. The number of alumni donors also increased from 3,572 to 5,002 during that time. Contributions from other individuals have risen from $349,684 to $724,874 during the last five years.

Charter Day, the University's major annual fund-raising event, has raised more than $1 million in scholarship monies since 1990. Last year's dinner netted $212,166, the most profitable Charter Day ever. And the University's phonathons, dedicated to raising money for the Annual Fund, have garnered more than $860,000 in pledges during the last five years. The most recent phonathon utilized the theme "Celebrate Our Faculty," and alumni were encouraged to contribute in honor or in memory of a favorite faculty member.

Dr. Charles Dees, Jr., vice president for institutional advancement and Teaneck-Hackensack Campus executive, said, "We have made important strides in recent years and we want to continue to increase the amount of unrestricted revenue and to increase the level of participation of our alumni in annual giving." He added that in two to three years the goal is to be in the planning stages of a major capital campaign "that would enhance the permanent endowment and financial resources of the institution."

"The recent success of the alumni program is linked to the excitement and energy associated with FDU in the last five years," said Joseph Stampe, University director of alumni affairs and annual giving. The number and the diversity of alumni programs and services have risen sharply during that time. From 1992 to 1996, the quantity of programs has increased from 15 to 40.

The FDU Club, launched in 1991, brings alumni together to encourage and assist business and social opportunities. Its speakers have included Spencer Christian, weatherman on ABC-TV's "Good Morning America," and Eduard Kudryavtsev, United Nations representative of the Russian Federation. In addition, Corporate Alumni Clubs, which offer various events, networking opportunities and socializing, were established at AT&T, Johnson & Johnson and Schering-Plough Corp.

Academic chapters, such as the Executive Master's in Business Administration (EMBA) Chapter, the Dental Alumni Chapter and the Entrepreneurial Alumni Chapter, were formed and provide educational and social programs. And, regional alumni events were held in New York, Florida and California and are planned for Atlanta, Ga., and Boston, Mass.

The entire governing body of the Alumni Association was restructured, with an emphasis placed on creating a volunteer-driven alumni program. In total, the number of alumni volunteers has risen dramatically, from 50 to 300 in the last five years. And, all volunteers now receive training and an orientation.

All alumni service programs have been revamped. Enhancements include a new credit-card program that has raised $50,000 for the alumni scholarship program; the expansion of the alumni insurance program; the reinstatement of the travel program, offering trips to Alaska, Greece, Bermuda and Scandinavia; and a merchandise program.

Also now available to alumni are two computerized databases, one called Job Link, which provides employment opportunities offered by fellow alumni, and the other called the Alumni Career Network, which includes alumni contacts in various fields. Information is available about these programs, as well as all alumni services on FDU's new World Wide Web site at www.fdu.edu.

Lastly, the Office of Alumni Affairs continues to take pride in the many graduates excelling in all walks of life. To recognize its most outstanding alums, FDU formed The PINNACLE society in 1989. The number of honorees has grown to 64 distinguished alumni and, last year, The PINNACLE welcomed its first student recipients.