Parents Council
The Parents Council is a group of leadership donor families who, in addition to their philanthropic support, actively engage in the life of the University through a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including: volunteering their time for admissions programs, providing access to internships and career guidance, make welcome calls to incoming families, as well as attend and host events.
Message from the Parent Council Co-Chairs
“The Parents Council is a vital resource that allows us to connect with other families, and to learn about the many ways to support our young adult in navigating housing, transportation, academics, and all the wonderful extracurricular options U Rochester offers. Of tremendous benefit is the opportunity to meet in person with key U Rochester staff who lead student life and the student experience. Their professional insights ensure the complete U Rochester experience comes to life for the whole family. We’re so delighted to be part of this vibrant community.”
-Dr. Jeffrey E. Pontiff MS’90 PHD’93 P’28 and Mrs. Valerie F. Pontiff P’28.
What are parents asked to do?
- Serve a four-year term and attend two Parents Council meetings a year.
- Make a leadership Annual Fund gift of $1,500 or more for each year on the Parents Council. Parents that pledge a gift of this size for five years or more are also recognized as being in the George Eastman Circle–a group of leadership donors who attend special University of Rochester events and receive publications. George Eastman Circle members also have the option to add their student to their membership.
- Become actively involved in the life of the College and serve as ambassadors for the University by fostering relationships with other current and prospective Rochester parents.
- Help the University continue on its path of excellence, making an impact on current and future generations of Rochester students.
- Participate in the Senior Parent Gift Campaign. We ask Parents Council members to participate in the Senior Parent gift campaign by considering a capstone gift to an area of the University that has made a meaningful impact on your student here at Rochester. We encourage 100% of our Parents Council members to get involved in some way. There are also opportunities to support the efforts by encouraging other Senior Parents to get involved.
Members of the Parents Council enjoy the following benefits:
- Be invited to University events on-and off-campus and around the country.
- Have a direct link to the Parents Program staff to answer questions and assist with your support of the University of Rochester.
- Have access to reserved parking and seating at commencement.
- Receive special privileges during Meliora Weekend (the University’s annual family and alumni celebration), including reserved parking, advance registration, and access to a hospitality suite.
- Receive information referencing upcoming events, special notices about campus life, and news, including our monthly Parents Buzz e-newsletter.
- Have opportunities to host regional events for parents and welcome celebrations for first-year students and parents.