The Stanford Fund 2017–18 Annual Summary

Every student, every year

Through The Stanford Fund, your support affects every undergrad on campus, year after year. That’s more than 7,000 students impacted by your generosity. Thanks for giving them the gift of Stanford.

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Three ways you helped:

Generous Financial Aid

Stanford provides financial aid for every U.S. undergrad who qualifies. Last year that was 47% of students. You made Stanford’s financial aid program among the best in higher education.
1 in 4 undergrads pays zero tuition. For families with incomes under $125,000, a Stanford scholarship covers tuition completely. For those below $65,000, Stanford also covers room and board.
81% of graduates left Stanford with no debt last year. Of the remaining students who took out loans, the median amount of debt upon graduation was $14,334.
1 in 6 undergraduates at Stanford last year was in the first generation of his or her family to attend a four-year university.
Stanford’s financial aid budget has more than doubled since 2007.
You supplemented endowed funds to provide scholarships to an additional 307 students this past year. On top of that, young alumni worked together to fund a special Stanford Fund Scholarship for an incoming frosh.

“I have had the privilege to meet, learn from, and collaborate with some of the best and brightest in the world here at Stanford, but more importantly, I have had the opportunity to form relationships with people who will undoubtedly be lifelong friends. None of this would be possible without your help, and I am incredibly grateful for your contribution and investment in my future.”
–Tristan Vanech, ’18

Outstanding Academics

Undergraduate Schools

The Stanford Fund supports all three schools with undergrad majors: Humanities & Sciences; Engineering; and Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences. Your gift keeps curriculum fresh, retains excellent faculty, and grows interdisciplinary programs.
Studio Arts Practice Courses

Stanford Fund donors help fund lecturers, teaching assistants, and materials for studio arts classes in sculpture, drawing, painting, photography, electronic arts, and printmaking.
Chem Core Classes

Thanks to your support, Stanford redesigned its introductory chemistry classes, which are the first college-level science courses many students take. Professors have implemented a new, engaging, and interactive approach: Lectures are now more discussion-based and collaborative, and labs build excitement and curiosity for upcoming content.
Lab Equipment

The completion of the Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning opened up new lab space for the biology and chemistry programs. Stanford Fund donors helped to purchase equipment so the labs would be ready for the 2017-18 academic year.
Stanford in New York

This program brings 20 juniors and seniors each quarter to NYC to live together, attend classes, and complete internships. The fall program focuses on arts, architecture, and urban planning; winter explores media and finance; and spring focuses on New York as a global city. Classes range from photography and writing to entrepreneurship and immigration.

“There are few experiences in my life that have come close to the unimaginable journey that has been my Stanford career. Thanks to your support through The Stanford Fund, I have built lasting friendships, found role models that have become my mentors, and rekindled a passion for learning that I appreciate more and more every day. Thank you from the warmest part of my heart, now and forever.”
–Ana Katrina Donaldson, ’18

Student Life Outside the Classroom

Student Groups

You supported 123 student-led organizations, including performing arts clubs, public service groups, and club sports teams. For many students, these clubs provide a place to make friends, develop new skills, express their creativity, give back, and take a break from rigorous academics.

Cardinal Service

Donors like you helped support Cardinal Quarter, a program created by the Haas Center as part of the campus-wide Cardinal Service initiative. Students who participate dedicate a full quarter to a public service experience, integrating academic learning with fieldwork. Students serve with local governments, nonprofits, and NGOs all over the world to solve problems and support local communities.
Diversity and First-Gen Office

Through the “DGen” Office, Stanford Fund donors supported students from low-income backgrounds and those who are in the first generation of their families to attend a four-year college. DGen provides campus support, community, and leadership for FLI (First Generation and/or Low-Income) students.
Office for Military-Affiliated Communities

You helped support student veterans on campus through the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities. OMAC administers VA financial education benefits so students can focus on their studies. The office also supports educational opportunities and community outreach and works to ensure Stanford is a welcoming environment for veterans.
Office of Student Productions

Stanford Fund donors supported the Office of Student Productions, a one-stop shop for students who need space, materials, or other resources for extracurricular, artistic productions. The OSP offers advising, an equipment library, and access to Roble Arts Gym, an open space where students can create art, practice dance and theater, record music, and more.

“Stanford has challenged me to think about my goals and views, and I have a more solid foundation of beliefs as a result. I feel fortunate to explore myself here, with the support of my friends and mentors. People here genuinely care about each other, and about doing things for the right reasons, and it is infectious. Stanford is a place where you learn how to be yourself, so thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
–Kent Mendoza, ’19

You did it together

“When I was accepted to Stanford (best day of my life!), I feared I would be unable to attend because of financial circumstances. But thanks to the generosity of people like you, I now find myself immersed in a community where I feel challenged and inspired to learn more, where I have formed friendships that make me feel at home, and where I have resources and opportunities I couldn’t have ever dreamed of.”
–Paola Martinez, ’20

“Why I Give”

“Stanford afforded me so many amazing opportunities while I was a student, but what really made it special were the people I met from all walks of life and the lifelong friendships that were cultivated on the Farm. I give because I think it’s important that other students from diverse backgrounds have those same opportunities that continue to make the Stanford experience so special.”
—Kaela Farrise, ’14
“Stanford has given me so much, from my best friends to my husband! My life would look worlds different without my Stanford experience. I know that the gifts of previous donors helped ensure a plethora of on- and off-campus activities that influenced my career and my personal life. I want to continue to be a part of the Stanford community and help build those opportunities for future students.”
—Hilary Galant, ’13
“I give to Stanford each year in recognition of the education, experiences, friendships, and opportunities I took away from my years on the Farm. Taken together, our collective gifts will provide meaningful support to future generations of Stanford students, just as the loyalty of those who came before us helped pave our way.”
—Neil Menzies, ’97, MA ’98
“Stanford provided me with opportunities that I couldn’t have even dreamed of as a poor, immigrant kid from Burma. My parents had not gone to college, and my dad couldn’t afford the tuition, but Stanford made sure that financial considerations did not stand in the way of my going to school there. Most importantly, Stanford provided me with the confidence so lacking in those who come from marginalized communities.”
—Stanley Sze, ’90
“Stanford has an extraordinary and diverse student body, and our kids have learned something from almost every student they’ve met there. We give through The Stanford Fund because we want to help not only our children but students from all backgrounds flourish and build relationships that will enrich their lives forever.”
—Ruth Ann and Salem Abraham,
Parents ’17, ’20, ’21