'98 matching gift program begins Nov. 2

Faculty members who wish to make gifts that support graduate and professional students can once again have their donations matched through the Microsoft Challenge 2000, which begins Monday, Nov. 2.

This is the third year of the Microsoft Challenge 2000, which is made possible by a $1 million gift, over five years, from Microsoft. In its first two years, the Microsoft Challenge has generated almost $980,000 in gifts and matching funds to support students.

This year the matching period lasts from Monday, Nov. 2, through Monday, Feb. 1. Gifts of $100 to $10,000 will be matched, in the order received, until the matching funds are expended or until Feb. 1, whichever comes first. As in 1997, the Microsoft Challenge will provide one matching dollar for every two dollars donated by a faculty member.

Permanent, emeritus, and research faculty members are eligible to participate, and they will receive a letter about the Microsoft Challenge by campus mail on Nov. 2. In response to many requests, payroll deduction is being included this year as a payment option within the Challenge deadlines. (Payments can be deducted from payroll on 11/25, 12/10, 12/24, 1/10, and 1/25.) Gifts may also be made by check, cash, credit card, or stock transfer.

For more information, call the development director for your unit, or call Nina Tilander, Director of Annual Giving, at (206) 685-1980. ¶