Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT IS FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS?
A: Friends of ITS-Davis is an association of alumni and friends and an annual fund. The program was launched in May 2003. It has two equally important thrusts: to engage our graduates and other friends and to build a culture of individual giving in support of student aid and student projects.
Q: WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS?
A: We hope you will give to Friends of ITS-Davis because you believe in transportation research and education at UC Davis and want to support its continued growth and excellence.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR 2006?
A: Our goal is to raise $50,000 in 2006. More importantly, we are seeking a high level of participation from those who support our mission.
Q: FOR WHAT WILL THE FUNDS RAISED THROUGH FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS BE USED?
A: The money raised through the Friends of ITS-Davis program will be used to support students and enhance their learning experiences.
In 2005, the Friends of ITS-Davis Executive Committee, in consultation with the students, established several support programs to use the funds. Those programs include: competitive research and project grants; travel awards; outstanding thesis and dissertation awards; and a fund for computer resources. In addition, the Executive Committee decided to designate a portion of the money raised to establish the Friends Student Support endowment. The interest from the endowment will provide funding in perpetuity for the student programs. We plan to allocate a portion of this year’s gifts to increasing the endowment.
Q: AREN'T YOUR GRADUATE STUDENTS ALREADY FUNDED?
A: Currently our graduate students are funded from a variety of sources including professor's research grants, teaching assistantships or state funds. In order to recruit and retain the best and brightest students to study transportation problems of great societal significance we need to offer competitive fellowship support and strong student enrichment programs. Gifts to the Friends of ITS-Davis program help the Institute offer enhanced student learning opportunities.
Q: HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
A: That's up to you. We aren't seeking huge dollars, but we do want to build a great group of supporters to motivate others, impress outside donors with the dedication of our alumni, and to establish the culture of giving from individuals that ITS-Davis must have for its future.
Q: HOW CAN I GIVE TO FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS?
A: We accept checks and credit cards. Please make checks payable to the UC Davis Foundation. For credit card payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. To make your gift, simply complete and mail our contribution form.
We also accept gifts of stock and real estate. For more information, contact Norma Deliberty at (530) 754-6514.
Q: IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
A: Yes. Gifts made to Friends of ITS-Davis are processed through the UC Davis Foundation. The UC Davis Foundation is a non-profit, public benefit corporation organized for the purpose of encouraging voluntary private support for the benefit of UC Davis and is recognized under federal and state laws as a tax-deductible entity.
Q: What is the Friends of ITS-Davis Director’s Circle?
A: The Director’s Circle was established in 2005 to recognize our most important donors and to engage them more closely in our activities. Director’s Circle members make annual gifts of $1,000 or more to Friends of ITS-Davis. As part of the Director’s Circle, members will enjoy:
- Invitations to selected campus and ITS-Davis events;
- Recognition at a luncheon and presentation each February following the year of their Director’s Circle membership (February 2006);
- Recognition as a Director’s Circle member in the ITS-Davis Biennial Report;
- Opportunities to share civic and profession expertise with students; and
- Interaction with faculty, administrators and other Director’s Circle members who share their vision for the success of the Institute.
Q: DOESN'T ITS-DAVIS DO ENOUGH FUNDRAISING ALREADY?
A: Through the work of the ITS-Davis Development and External Relations team, the Institute has been successful in raising support from companies and philanthropic foundations. Prior to 2003 ITS-Davis had never organized its alumni and friends in support of its mission; however, private support from individuals is key for ITS-Davis' future growth. Gifts from individuals can become transformational for organizations, and a strong annual giving program is always the foundation that leads to large gifts. ITS-Davis' fundraising team will publicize the support of individuals to show that those who know us well support what we do. This will add to the Institute's fundraising success.
Q: WHO RUNS THE FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS?
A: The Friends of ITS-Davis Executive Committee governs the program. The Executive Committee reports to the Director of ITS-Davis.
Q: WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE?
A: The members of the Friends of ITS-Davis Executive Committee are: Norm Bryan (Chair and ITS-Davis Board of Advisors Member); Trish Hendren (Ph.D. Alumna); Joshua Cunningham (M.S. Alumnus); Patricia Mokhtarian (CEE Professor); Jonathan Hughes (Current Student & TTP Representative); Dan Sperling (CEE/ESP Professor and ITS-Davis Director) and Joe Krovoza (ITS-Davis Director of Development).
Q: ISN'T FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS ABOUT MORE THAN FUNDRAISING?
A: Yes. We are also using Friends of ITS-Davis to connect with our alumni. The alumni activities are organized under the alumni committee led by Trish Hendren and Joshua Cunningham. They have set up an alumni listserve and helped with the creation of this website. The site is designed to offer a growing number of alumni services and to help alumni to stay connected with each other and the Institute. Through the web site alumni can view alumni notes, easily update their contact information, or make a gift to the Friends program.
Q: HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED WITH ALUMNI ACTIVITIES?
A: We are still in the formative stages of our activities, so all ideas or interests are welcome. You can send an email to itsalumniinfo@ucdavis.edu stating your interest or ideas.
Q: WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT FRIENDS OF ITS-DAVIS?
A: If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact ITS-Davis associate director of development Norma DeLiberty at (530) 754-614 or ndeliberty@ucdavis.edu.