We are grateful to donors who have demonstrated their commitment to the educational, research and service mission of the University. Through their generous financial contributions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, more than $25 million in private gifts was secured — the second highest year on record for private giving to the University of Memphis, exceeded only by the previous year’s record.

	At the recent Society of the Shield induction ceremony at the U of M's new University Center, students had a chance to meet with the benefactors who helped make his or her scholarship possible. At left, from left to right, Dr. Shirley Raines, Maxine A. Smith Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship recipient Hummad Tasneem and donors Drs. Paula and Rick Short, who set up the scholarship in honor of Dr. Smith, second from right. The Society of the Shield members are those generous donors to the University of Memphis who have made cumulative gifts to the University of no less than $10,000.
	At right, recipients of the Eunice B. Ordman Scholarship, Michael Powell (left) and Herman John Jubert III (right), were able to meet with the donors who set up the College of Education scholarship, Dr. Edward Ordman and Eunice B. Ordman. Also pictured is University President Shirley Raines (second from right). The group was able to socialize during the Society of the Shield ceremony at the new University Center in November.
	At left, philanthropist Hilliard Crews, with University of Memphis President Shirley Raines and one of the many scholarship students at the Society of the Shield ceremony at the new University Center in November. The University wishes to express its gratitude to its many philanthropists who fund scholarships and programs at the U of M.