Parents’ Committee
The Middlebury Parents’ Committee are ambassadors promoting philanthropic engagement with Middlebury through their example and their service.
Supporting Today’s Students
The networks and friendships we build and the funds we raise make the College strong and make our own students more likely to succeed.
Acting under the supervision of the Office of Parent Giving, we serve in leadership roles that strengthen engagement and philanthropy within the Middlebury parent community. Our roles vary depending on what we choose to undertake; our assignments are based on information shared in our membership questionnaires, where we indicate areas of interest or expertise, connections, and expertise. We give to the Parents’ Fund and we encourage others to give.
A History of Success
The Middlebury Parents’ Committee is one of the most effective parent volunteer groups in higher education. The committee’s peer-to-peer outreach has helped Middlebury sustain one of the highest rates of parent per-capita giving in the country.
Notably, parents of Middlebury alumni, long after their students graduate, continue to give almost as much as parents with students still at the College, a renowned tradition at Middlebury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q How much money was raised in FY22?
Middlebury parents contributed over $7.5 million to the Parents’ Fund.
Q How many families participate on the committee?
The number varies each year but has averaged 40 – 50 families.
Q Who should join?
We aim to have representation of people from a variety of backgrounds and ranging from first-year parents who are new to the College to parents who have known the College for many years. They have in common:
- An enthusiasm for Middlebury and its mission
- An interest in meeting other Middlebury families
- A commitment to support the College philanthropically.
- Pleasure in making new connections—social, professional, and intellectual
- A willingness to enhance the Middlebury community and the student experience with their time, wisdom, expertise, and connections
Q Is there a minimum commitment to join the Parents’ Committee?
Members support Middlebury with a gift every year at one of the 1800 Society levels ($2,500 - $100,000 or more) and participate in scheduled Parents’ Committee events—one annual event and two to three Speaker Series webinars. Learn more about the 1800 Society.
Meet our Parents’ Committee Co-Chairs
By joining the Middlebury Parents’ Committee, we’ve been able to learn about opportunities and challenges in higher education, contribute intellectually and financially to Middlebury, and even make new friends. Our involvement over the years has been welcomed by Middlebury’s staff, faculty, and other parents. Our daughter Lizzie ’23 is now starting her senior year, and we’re pleased to be serving a third term as chairs of the Parents’ Committee.”
– Lou Kenter and Leslie Graham P’14, ’17.5, ’23, Parents’ Committee Co-Chairs
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with the Parents’ Committee, contact the Parent Giving Team at parentsfund@middlebury.edu.
Alumni and Families
700 Exchange St.
Middlebury, VT
05753