Message from Parents Fund Co-Chairs

As parents, we know that every parents dream is to provide their children with as many opportunities as possible to help ensure their successes and happiness.  A college education is one important component of our children’s future, and the Clarkson experience provides students with outstanding learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.  These opportunities are supported, in part, from the generous annual support of alumni, friends and parents – just like you.  We enjoy walking around campus and seeing all of the tangible projects that the Parents Fund has supported, such as the new turf field.  We are especially proud to support the University that has provided our son with so many great opportunities.  When we as parents give, it sends a powerful message that we support and care about Clarkson University and the impact it has on our children. 

Please join us in supporting this year’s Parents Fund.  Thank you in advance for making a difference in the Clarkson experience.

Timothy and Sheila Pettee, Co-Chairs
2009-2010 Parents Fund
Parents of George Pettee ‘11

Parents Fund

About the Parents Fund

The Parents Fund is one of Clarkson’s important unrestricted annual giving efforts.  Led by the Parents Committee, the program invites current and past parents to support high-priority campus initiatives affecting student life and learning.  It is a tradition at Clarkson that the Parents Fund supports immediate opportunities to accelerate the university’s excellence.  Gifts from parents demonstrate a special vote of confidence in the work being done at the University.

Each year the Parents Committee, in consultation with the University, suggests where to direct unrestricted Parents Fund resources.  This year the committee has chosen to support the new Student Center and will be recognized as a group inside one of the lounges.  Previous projects supported by the Parents Fund include the new Turf Field, Concrete Café, Cheel Campus Center and a scholarship fund.

About the new Student Center
Fostering Community, Building on Clarkson’s Dedication to Learning-Living Excellence

Clarkson’s new Student Center will house student social and recreational activities, clubs and organizations, a mail center and food service venues. The center will enhance social connectivity and community by creating functional, inviting spaces for learning and living. The design will embrace elements of Clarkson tradition while demonstrating a high tech, eco-friendly, and innovative design. 

The new building will be approximately 56,000 square feet and consist of three main levels with exterior path connections to the Educational Resource Center (ERC) and to CAMP. The building is scheduled to be open for the fall 2010 academic semester. 

Our Commitment
The Parents Committee, representing all current and past parents, have committed to raising $250,000 through the Parents Fund during the next three fiscal years.   Our collective support of the Student Center project will be recognized with the naming of the ground floor Lounge in the new building.  This commitment represents the strong feeling of parents towards the success and overall mission and activities of Clarkson University.

Participating in the Parents Fund
If you're a Clarkson parent, or the parent of a Clarkson graduate, we encourage you to join us by participating in the Parents Fund this year. Please make your pledge using our secure website or mail your check to:

The Parents Fund
Clarkson University
PO Box 5530
Potsdam, NY 13699-5530

Thank you for your consideration. Your gift to the Parents Fund is an important investment and will help support the Clarkson community and make a difference for many students. For further information, contact the Clarkson Fund at 315-268-6582 or email Marcell Mallette, Director of the Clarkson Fund.