Factors Which Promote or Limit Minority Alumni Support of a Predominantly White Private Church-Associated University

While serving as Corporate Foundations Relations Officer and later as the Director of Corporate Relations for Marquette University, the researcher became interested in the various \u27cultures of giving,\u27 especially among minority alumni, who were seldom visible at the University\u27s fund-raise events or regional alumni club activities. Although the University did not keep contributory records, by race and ethnicity, it was obvious to the researcher that the University\u27s minority alumni were not a significant factor in the Development Office\u27s plans for reaching its financial goals. This study sought to examine the philanthropic behaviors of minority graduates of the Educational Opportunity Program at Marquette University. Its purpose was to identify factors that influenced the minority graduate\u27s decision to support or not to support the University financially and as volunteers. The study is an in-depth investigation into the role of variables such as the minority alumni\u27s \u27culture of giving.\u27 Culture of giving included the graduate\u27s personal understanding of philanthropy and the giving habits and practices of members of the minority group. The study also examines the graduate\u27s impressions, past and present, of the University as well as their experiences while attending the University. One hundred-one minority alumni of the Educational Opportunity Program responded to the initial Minority Informational Survey, and five respondents participated in the second phase of the study, the case-study interviews. This research serves multiple purposes to multiple individuals and institutions of higher education. It provides a resource to university advancement officials who are interested in improving minority graduates participation at all levels of the University. It also serves as a resource for university advancement officials who are in search of practical methodology to prepare development personnel for successful solicitation and interaction with minority groups and minority individuals. This research may also serve as a starting-point tool for predominantly white universities, increasing their understanding, awareness and perceptions of minority alumni\u27s giving. Finally, this research has the potential to provide the impetus for universities and their minority students to address unresolved issues that may stand in the way of future generations of minority students if left unresolved