Profiles in Giving (PDF)

David Fett DMS '80: Leading by Example

Dr. David Fett

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing," so the popular Albert Schweitzer quote goes. Indeed, Dr. David Fett's example of giving generously over the years to the Fund for Dartmouth Medical School has been key to his ability to inspire his fellow alumni from the Class of 1980 to contribute to their 25th class reunion gift, a financial gift to the Fund for DMS. But it hasn't been the only thing.

Despite his busy career as a Los Angeles-based ophthalmic plastic surgeon, David Fett's ties to his alma mater are strong. He supports Dartmouth Medical School by giving to the Fund for DMS and volunteering as co-chair of the Class of 1980 Reunion Gift Committee because "Dartmouth added to my life--it educated me to be a physician," he says, adding, "I feel an ethical obligation as well as a personal desire to give back."

In his role as co-chair of the Class of 1980 Reunion Gift Committee, Dr. Fett, along with his co-chair and fellow DMS '80 alum Dr. Eric Donnenfeld, leads reunion gift committee meetings, helps establish fundraising goals and strategies, and most importantly, personally reaches out to fellow alumni across the country to encourage giving.

To date, the Class of 1980 has raised well over $200,000 for its reunion gift, which will provide DMS with much-needed unrestricted support. And while he is pleased with the progress, Dr. Fett is eager to set the fundraising goal even higher. He explains, "Private institutions like DMS depend on funding from alumni and other resources to attract good faculty, to improve physical structures, to do research--they need that support. Without it, you simply cannot succeed."

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