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The Undergraduate Experience And Giving: What Makes A Donor?, Laura C. Simic

Masters Theses

Private support of public higher education has become increasingly important for institutions to remain competitive in times of decreasing tax support. Among scholars, there is general agreement that private support has become the vital ingredient which provides the difference between adequate and great institutions. There is little agreement, however, about the primary factors that motivate donors to give to colleges and universities.

To help answer the question, "Why do people give?" a study was conducted of University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Communications alumni with regard to aspects of their undergraduate experience. The alumni were divided into non-donor and donor …