Reprinted courtesy of The Brigadier,
The Official Newspaper of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets

The Citadel Foundation congratulates the members of the Class of 2009 as they receive their rings this Parents' Weekend.  This year, for the first time, the Foundation has made a remarkable investment in the senior class by contributing $100 toward the total cost of each eligible senior's ring.  For a class 409 members strong, this translates into a gift of $40,900, for which TCF proudly cut a check to The Citadel Alumni Association.

This unprecedented contribution was made possible by the loyal support of alumni who feel it is important to educate the Corps of Cadets about the importance of philanthropy and giving back to The Citadel. 

We firmly believe that charity and service are among the virtues of principled leaders.  Hopefully, this act of generosity will encourage the members of the Class of 2009 to give back to their alma mater once they have joined the esteemed ranks of Citadel alumni.

In addition to this new ring initiative, The Citadel Foundation supports the college in many ways by securing, managing, and stewarding philanthropic support.  This past year, the Foundation approved a grant to The Citadel in the amount of roughly $5.5 million from the academic endowment and other endowed funds.  Grant funds support vital campus priorities such as scholarships, faculty and program development, student learning opportunities, and enhancing the academic environment.

In addition to TCF's endowment grant, approximately $7 million in unrestricted annual support and other resources pass directly to the college to help meet operating expenses once covered by tuition and state appropriations.  Overall, contributed support each year accounts for more than $12 million dollars, or nearly 15%, of the school’s $82 million operating budget.

As you receive your rings, The Citadel Foundation is honored to make this additional investment in the remarkably talented members of Class of 2009.

In a few short months (or, for some of you, a few unbearably long months), your families will join you again here on campus.  We will gather to watch with pride as you turn your rings around to face outward, walk across the stage, and march out those gates one last time, with Citadel diplomas in hand.

As the newest, youngest members of the Long Gray Line, you will soon join the ranks of Citadel alumni and embrace its proud traditions.  When you do, we hope the ring that represents your Citadel experience will serve as a daily reminder of the lessons you learned here – a call to principled leadership, selfless service, and integrity in thought and action.  We hope as well that you will give back to your alma mater to preserve and sustain The Citadel's traditions for future cadets, as those before you have supported your education and experiences here.  Congratulations, Class of 2009!

For more information:    Jarret Sonta
                                  (843) 953-6919
                                  jarret.sonta@citadel.edu