The Michigan Tech Fund
is more than just gifts
When many people think of the Michigan Tech Fund, they think of giving to the University. While solicitation and collection of donations to Michigan Tech is their primary function, the Tech Fund also does much more.
For instance, the Michigan Tech Fund is the "keeper of the data" for alumni, friends and supporters of Michigan Tech. They make sure that contact information for our approximately 60,000 alumni is up to date, and they are always working to organize this data and make it more useful. "In our fast-paced, mobile society, it's a challenge to keep track of where people live, where they work, their email address and their cell phone number. The staff here at the Fund does a great job of managing the vast amount of data we deal with every day," says Mary Jane Lowney, Director of Information Services. If a department wants to send a mailing to a group of people, they contact the Michigan Tech Fund for the names and addresses of the group. The Fund, in turn, records all mailings on the individual's record so we can track what information each alumnus has received. Without the hard work and expertise of the data entry and information services staff at the Michigan Tech Fund, thousands of people would be in the dark about activities here at the University.
The Michigan Tech Fund's finance department oversees the private donations they receive on behalf of the University. The Tech Fund has received over $63 million in cash gifts during the recent Leaders for Innovation campaign. Some of this money is used for campus building projects, scholarship awards, departmental expenses, or other immediate needs. The rest of the money is invested. The Michigan Tech Fund ensures that these investments will support the University for many years to come. "We have a diversified portfolio to maximize our returns," says Gail Mroz, Director of Finance and Operations at the Tech Fund. Despite the recent economic downturn, these investments have consistently outperformed market indexes.
With over 20 employees working in the Republic Bank building in downtown Hancock, the Michigan Tech Fund is a diverse organization with many facets. While much of their time is spent soliciting and collecting gifts for the University, they also perform many other functions vital to the life of the University. So, next time you think of the Michigan Tech Fund, think of more than just gifts!