Annual Giving campaign: A personal connection
Photos by Steven Freeman
For more than 80 years, Annual Giving has united Princeton alumni, parents and friends in supporting each new generation of Tigers. These unrestricted funds touch every aspect of student life — from supporting independent research and summer service internships for undergraduates to attracting world-class researchers and faculty. Most critically, Annual Giving contributes to Princeton’s groundbreaking no-loan financial aid program, which helps the University attract talented students from all backgrounds by providing a chance for them to thrive through grants that do not need to be repaid.
The reasons alumni support Annual Giving are as diverse and unique as each person’s Princeton story. But the common goal of giving unites and strengthens the Tiger community across all generations.
As part of the “I Give Because” campaign, five alumni share their reasons for supporting Annual Giving, a tradition that helps provide the margin of excellence that makes a Princeton education second to none — and that keeps the Princeton community moving forward together.
“Princeton has played a pretty big role in my life, so giving back helps future generations.”
As a self-described “rah-rah guy,” Andy Cowherd ’74 volunteers as a way to acknowledge Princeton’s incredible impact on his life. “It’s a family thing,” he said. “My mom, dad and sister always have raised their hands in the air to help out.” This year marks Cowherd’s 25th as class president, a position he feels honored to serve. He cites all the amazing people across generations he’s met while volunteering — especially through Annual Giving — as a key reason why he continues to give back to the University. “Princeton alumni stay connected at many different levels,” Cowherd said. “It’s part of the magic of the place.”
“I have an abundance of gratitude for everything Princeton has helped make possible in my life.”
Susie Brennan ’89 fell in love with Princeton her first time on campus, and in the decades since graduating, she’s channeled that love into volunteer work for the University. She met her husband during her second year and they now live six miles from campus. “My life and Princeton are inextricably intertwined at this point,” she said. “It’s the people here who make all the difference.” The holder of a perfect Annual Giving participation record, Brennan served as a class agent for 15 years and recently became co-president of her class. “I have so many friends from Princeton, and not just from my class — the University has a way of binding people together across generations.”
“Princeton keeps giving to me so I want to give back.”
Maxwell Chung ’21 came to Princeton after being recruited for fencing, but he had other interests he wanted to explore: “I was fascinated by history and politics and couldn’t think of a better place to merge the two.” When Chung was a senior, his adviser — politics professor Atul Kohli — always pushed him to take his ideas one step further, a mindset Chung carries with him in his private equity and writing career. In the years since he graduated, Chung has come to value the lasting community that comes with being a Princeton alumnus. “No matter what your campus experience was like,” he said, “the joy of being a Princetonian continues to deepen beyond college.”
“We need to give greater access to those who might never be able to otherwise afford a Princeton education.”
As the first student to attend Princeton from her Maryland high school, Sydney Montgomery ’15 made the most of the opportunity. Her 11th grade English teacher guided her through the admissions process and urged her to apply to Princeton, and that made all the difference: “Princeton changed my life — I’m grateful for the generous financial aid and people who encouraged my admission.” After law school, she founded Barrier Breakers, a nonprofit that helps first-generation, minority and immigrant students navigate the college and law school application process. “First-gen students need more than traditional services to be successful,” said Montgomery. “I know I am here because Princeton opened a door and showed me a pathway.”
“I want to make sure the experiences of Princeton graduate students keep getting better.”
Raghuveer Vinukollu *11 came to Princeton to study with world-renowned hydrologist Eric Wood. “Eric was one of the toughest advisors in the entire environmental engineering department, always challenging us to challenge ourselves,” Vinukollu said. “He was instrumental in getting me where I am today.” Working in the reinsurance industry, Vinukollu applies what he’s learned as an advocate for climate adaptation and resiliency. A longtime AG volunteer, he currently serves as co-chair of Graduate Alumni Annual Giving and as a GradFUTURES mentor. “Giving back is my way of supporting the University’s mission of doing world-class research and providing a graduate education that’s second to none.”
Unrestricted gifts to Annual Giving go directly into the University’s operating budget for the benefit of Princeton’s students, faculty and programs. These flexible funds from undergraduate and graduate alumni, parents and friends allow the University to seize new opportunities, respond to unexpected challenges and support a financial aid program that makes a Princeton education possible for all admitted students. The 2024-25 Annual Giving campaign concludes June 30, 2025.
