2000 Fund Approaches 75% of Goal; New Vice-President for Development

The Jefferson 2000 Fund campaign has surpassed $144 million of its $200 million goal, placing the campaign nearly one year ahead of schedule.

This was a banner year for Jefferson philanthropy. In 1996, $25 million was raised in pledges and gifts, making it the third consecutive year of record-breaking contributions.

The single largest individual gift in Jefferson's history was made this year by Sidney Kimmel, who committed $10 million for cancer research. Friends of Jefferson contributed $19 million, with $5 million coming from alumni alone.

Alumni contributed a record $1.67 million through annual giving. Corporations and foundations committed $3.5 million in 1996, a significant portion of which has been earmarked for research. The Women's Board continued their steadfast support by donating close to $200,000 to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

The end of 1996 also brought change within the Development Office itself. Kenneth W. Moore, Vice President for Development, retired at the end of the year after 15 years of service. Mr. Moore presided over the most successful period of philanthropy in Jefferson's history, which has included the Jefferson 2000 Fund campaign and the Decade Fund campaign. During the 15-year period, Jefferson raised more than $250 million.

Jefferson's new Vice President for Development is Robert A. Peterson, who for the past several years has been Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance. Mr. Peterson joined Jefferson in 1984.