A special fund-raising solicitation that showcases UC Santa Barbara’s intellectual vitality, natural beauty, and the rising value of a UCSB diploma has been mailed to more than 115,000 alumni to reacquaint them with their campus and help increase unrestricted annual support for The Campaign for UC Santa Barbara.

The goal of the comprehensive campaign is to generate $500 million in private support to ensure the university’s excellence for future generations. Thus far, alumni and friends have contributed more than $385 million.

As part of the campaign, UCSB would like to increase annual, unrestricted support to a higher level by working toward full participation by alumni. Last year, alumni, parents, and friends contributed a record $2.2 million in unrestricted support to the campus. In addition, a record $4.9 million was donated for student scholarships and graduate fellowships. Overall, the campus raised $55.3 million in philanthropic support during 2005-06.

“Alumni are the beneficiaries of a UCSB education, and they are also important because they continue to serve as ambassadors for the campus wherever they live throughout the world,” said Gary Greinke, associate vice chancellor for development. “Under Chancellor Henry Yang’s leadership we are working to build a stronger network of our graduates and would like to give them an opportunity to help the next generation of students succeed by contributing to UCSB.”

The recent mailing—the largest ever to campus alumni—is part of a UC systemwide outreach initiative designed to strengthen alumni and parent giving. The Office of Public Affairs produced it. UC has provided matching funds for this solicitation piece and a number of related campus projects.

John Wiemann, vice chancellor, institutional advancement, said the recent publication provides “a wonderful opportunity to let graduates know about the elevated stature of the university, instills a sense of pride in the campus, and serves as an invitation to attend the All Gaucho Reunion next month.”