Dear TJ Alumni,
Twenty-six years after entering TJ as a student, I am proud every day to be a TJ alum. Like many of you, my “TJ days” hold a special place in my memories. The value of my “TJ Education”, however, has become one of the cornerstones of my professional and personal life.
The power of a TJ Education transcends immediate benefits of access to top universities and research fellowships. It endures as an important part of our resumes.
The top-tier value of our TJ Education depends upon the ongoing strength of TJ, now and in the future.
A few years ago, I learned about the true cost of a TJ Education and the vital role the TJ Partnership Fund plays in sustaining TJ’s educational excellence. Public funding is not sufficient (not 25 years ago, and not today) to support the unique research and educational opportunities that make TJ so special. Put simply, TJ needs outside help in order to thrive!
This year the TJ Partnership Fund continued its strong stewardship, funding the purchase of laptops, software licenses, and wide-screen monitors, an industry-quality laser cutter, and a polymerase chain reaction machine, among other purchases. Learn more about how the TJ Partnership Fund helps TJ at About Us.
As alumni, we have a unique bond with TJ, and with that comes an obligation to help maintain our great school by volunteering time, money and/or expertise, by doing anything we can do to give back.
The community of alumni grows every year, and many alums already hold important roles at the country’s largest corporations, at its universities, in the military and in government. Imagine hiring someone for your organization -- who better to rely on than a fellow TJ alum? TJ alumni are now almost 10,000 strong, and with everyone’s participation we could be a powerful force in shaping TJ’s future.
Last year the TJ Partnership Fund (PF) held its first Alumni Annual Appeal, and the results were impressive. Alumni giving increased 250% over the prior year. Many alums made gifts of over $200. Yet, with more participation, we could do much, much better.
This year, in addition to continuing with its Annual Giving Appeal to support the ongoing needs of the School, the TJPF is launching TJ 2.0, our Capital Campaign to support the School’s long-overdue renovation. With the renovation, TJ will finally look like the School we have always known it is, but as always, public funds will not meet TJ’s unique needs. As alumni, we have a significant role to play in outfitting the expanded labs, providing the technology for collaboration and outreach, and otherwise bringing TJ into the 21st century. Take a few minutes to learn more about TJ 2.0, see the plans, learn about naming opportunities and consider making a pledge. It’s my personal hope that those TJ alumni who are in a position to support the Capital Campaign with a leadership gift, will do so this year.
Please make a contribution – in any amount - today. All donations are appreciated; every gift counts. Volunteer. Update your profile on the Alumni Association directory. Help us build an active alumni community that will help TJ to thrive for another 25 years.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Erik Petersen, ‘89
Chair, Alumni Advisory Board
How You Can Help
Donate...
In any amount. We urge you to consider directing your gift to the Priority Fund (unrestricted), so that your gift may go to solving TJ's most pressing needs. Alternatively, you can direct your gift to the Science and Technology Lab Fund, to an individual tech lab, or to the Enrichment Fund for non-lab needs.
Our goal this year is modest, to receive donations from 900 alumni (just 10% of the alumni community). Please participate; every gift counts. Donate online now.
Take Advantage...
Of corporate matching opportunities.
Participate...
In workplace giving by participating in the United Way/CFC Campaign or other workplace campaigns.
Serve...
On a Partnership Fund Advisory Board. The Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) provides leadership in expanding and enhancing support from alumni. Key activities include planning and executing the Alumni Annual Appeal, participating in events like Alumni Day and tjSTAR, coordinating with the Alumni Association, and generally helping to grow alumni support for TJ.
There’s no need to be near TJ to serve. Our members span the whole country!
Alumni Advisory Board roster:
Chair, Erik Petersen, ‘89
Nassmah Brooks, Parent ’07, ’08, ’09, ‘12
Stephen Chang, ‘98
Elaine Conner, Parent ’05
Carolyn Cukierman, Parent ’07, ’10
Alpana Das Ved, ‘02
Cynthia N. Huddleston, Parent ’13
Sat Joshi, ‘01
Anika Lovelace, ‘91
Mary Jo Patterson, Parent ’09
Claudine Parisa Roshanian, ‘03
Stuart Stein, ‘04
Anne Antonowicz Toth, ‘89
Ryan Vaart, ‘91
Participate! Update...
Your contact information on the Alumni Association website. Join the Alumni Association’s Facebook and LinkedIn groups.
Attend reunions and alumni events. Come to Homecoming, TJ’s 25th anniversary celebration, the tjSTAR awards dinner, the alumni career fair! Stay engaged with TJ!
Introduce the Partnership Fund to your employer. The PF seeks corporate relationships with companies, large and small, to provide mentors for student research, donate cash and in-kind gifts, and become long-term partners in support of TJ's renovation and beyond.
Volunteer...
To help the Partnership Fund. The Partnership Fund needs volunteers – from experienced fundraisers to enthusiastic beginners. There are opportunities to help that fit all types of availability: weekly, bi-weekly, occasional, or work from home. Please join the team by filling out our volunteer form.