Seemingly against the odds in a tough economic year, this year's Cornell reunion classes and graduating senior class broke records in making gifts to support the university.

"The 2009 reunion classes not only brought alumni back, but encouraged them to give back -- with incredible success," said Rob Rosenberg '88, president of the Cornell Alumni Association of Class Officers.

Reunion campaigns raised more than $112 million, setting an all-time reunion campaign record as well as many class bests and reunion campaign records. Contributing were some 7,312 donors and 590 Tower Club members -- donors who give $5,000 or more. Final campaign totals will be available in July.

Overall, more than 4,700 alumni attended reunion June 4-7, a 14 percent increase -- including more first-time attendees -- over last year. And the Classes of 1944, 1959, 1974 and 1989 all broke attendance records in their categories (e.g., the Class of 1944 set the record for 65-year reunions). The Cornell Native American Alumni Association also set a new attendance record for their alumni. An additional 1,670 alumni family members and friends also visited campus.

"We are thrilled with the turnout for Reunion 2009," said Chris Marshall, associate vice president for alumni affairs. "It speaks to the loyalty and passion Cornellians have for their alma mater."

The Classes of 1959, 1979 and 2004 set dollar records for their respective Reunion campaigns. In addition, the Class of 1954 set the 55th Reunion record for donors; the Class of 1974 set the 35th Reunion record for Tower Club members; and the Classes of 1969, 1974, 1979 and 1989 set Cayuga Society (donors who make planned gifts) records for their respective reunion campaigns.

"We couldn't be more delighted," said Tom LaFalce '94, director of reunion campaigns for the Cornell Annual Fund. "Our volunteers tirelessly reached out to their classmates to generate critical support for Cornell. Setting a new reunion-campaign dollar record and eight classes breaking reunion-campaign records are a testament to the loyalty and generosity of Cornellians and the dedication of our reunion campaign volunteers."

In May, a successful Senior Class Campaign raised $89,483, with 55 percent participation by 1,777 classmates. It was the third consecutive year that the senior class exceeded 50 percent donor participation. In addition, 42 seniors joined the Ivy Society, a group for donors giving $250 or more. The class also endowed the Class of 2009 Stephen H. Weiss Memorial Scholarship, with help from a generous challenge match from trustee Martin Tang '70.

"We saw outstanding support and participation from our classmates in the campaign," said Rebecca Robbins, co-president of the Class of 2009. "Their energy, generosity and dedication to the future of Cornell was remarkable, particularly in these trying economic times."

"The Senior Class Campaign is one of the first opportunities for each class to recognize the importance of alumni involvement and support," said co-president Michael J. McDermott. "This year's campaign theme of 'iGive' recognized that each individual's gift was an opportunity to join a long university tradition and become an active member of the Cornell family."

Diane Lebo Wallace is campaign communications manager for Alumni Affairs and Development.