In a recent conversation, an alumnus from the 1950s revealed to me how his college education became a reality. Now, a very successful attorney, this Massachusetts native was the son of working parents who had no means to send him to college. His father told Saint Anselm's treasurer that he could pay only a small amount each month, and the College agreed to help him. Our alumnus said to me, "Were it not for that opportunity, I would never have succeeded."

If the new campaign that we proudly launched in January 2002 is about anything, it is about promise-the promise we keep as we reach out to students from many backgrounds, and the promise they keep, in turn, as they honor their Saint Anselm education by giving back to society as much as others have given to them. Neither side can fulfill this promise without the help of generous donors who understand what we are trying to accomplish: to provide the best possible Catholic liberal arts education.

Your gifts to The Campaign for Saint Anselm College, the most ambitious fund-raising effort in our history, will enable us to build a bridge from the Saint Anselm we know today-an outstanding institution with ambitions that outstretch our resources-to a College with increased financial stability and continuing confidence to achieve its aspirations for the coming decade and beyond. I ask you to join in helping us create this transition by finding, in this guide to giving, your place in a bold new philanthropy for Saint Anselm.

As you read, remember that Saint Anselm has a special need for gifts that provide us with maximum flexibility-especially gifts to the Annual Fund and unrestricted endowed gifts. These commitments will allow us to close the gap that exists between our current resources and our potential.

If you share with us a profound commitment to superior liberal arts education; to a place deeply rooted in the Benedictine values of service, charity, and devotion to God; and to a College that prepares its students for a life in which their education truly matters, there are many ways in which you can help.

Opportunities to support our faculty scholars, our students, and our campus abound-and Saint Anselm needs both your gifts and your involvement. Join us in a promise we make to each other to take our College to a new level of distinction, pride, and service to God and society.

My thanks and prayers are with you always.

Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B. '69