Van Zandt Williams '65 sent off with fanfare at retirement party

A grateful University gave a warm send-off to Vice-President for Development Van Zandt Williams '65 in the Frist multipurpose room last month. Williams, who has held the University's top fundraising job for more than 20 years, helped raise over $2 billion for Princeton. He attended the reception in an orange and black striped tuxedo – the class of 1965 reunions costume. The event was billed as "extraVANganza," after Williams' first name.

President Tilghman, who presided over remarks from a variety of high-ranking administrators, called Williams "a great road warrior for Princeton."

Describing the Williams and his staff as the "fuel cells" of the University, Tilghman said that his influence can be seen throughout the place – in top faculty whose professorships have been endowed by alumni gifts, in expanded financial aid for undergraduates and most of all in the seemingly constant construction projects throughout campus.

Tilghman explained that Princeton, originally called The College of New Jersey, raised its first funds by selling lottery tickets across the nation. She presented Williams with a ticket from 1763, one of only a few still remaining.

Steve Forbes '70, who was present for the ceremony said Williams "made you believe in the old saying that it is better to give than to receive," and termed him "pleasantly persistent."

Dean of Admissions Fred Hargadon, who sends out the celebrated "YES!!" letters every year to high school seniors, said that alumni gifts earmarked for financial aid exceeded the Univeristy's goal for that category.

He said the recent decision to replace financial aid loans with grants has actually improved the University's finances. Hargadon said his office was swamped with calls from alumni who decided to increase their gifts to the University because they were so pleased to see an improvement in financial aid.