One important fact about Cornell–and most other instititutions of higher learning–is that they will harass you for every dime and nickel before you attend (financial aid), while you’re there (”student activity” fees), and after you graduate (alumni affairs donations). The latest to hit my inbox is an appeal from Martin Tang ‘70 of the Cornell University trustees:

The main appeal is that he is offering a 25:1 maximum leverage on your donation. If you donate $1, Martin Tang will donate $25 to your alma mater:

If you make a gift now at www.giving.cornell.edu/give, I will give $25 to support the Annual Fund for undergraduate scholarships.

To maximize this, simply go and donate $1 recurring for 1 year, and realize a $52 donation for Cornell. If all of the class of 2006 (3238 students) donate $2, Cornell would get the whopping sum of $168,376, thanks to the power of trustee leverage!