January 14, 2010

My name is Alex Wood, and I was a member of the Stanford Varsity Fencing Team from 1996 until 2001, serving as captain in 2000-2001, where I became a three-time NCAA All-American in foil. Due to current economic conditions, Stanford University has had to make some difficult choices, including dropping funding to maintain its Varsity Fencing Team. Thus I am writing to ask for your help to save the Varsity Fencing Program. With your help, we will be able to sustain the only Division I Varsity fencing program on the West Coast, continue to use the Varsity fencing facility for the greater Stanford community's Cardinal Fencing Club, and spread the physical and mental benefits of fencing through physical education classes and fencing camps.

As you might know by now, last April the Athletic Department notified the program that the team must be self-supporting by Spring of 2010 in order for it to maintain Varsity status, which includes (1) raising its $250,000 yearly operating budget for this academic year 2009-2010, and for next academic year, 2010-2011; and to embark on funding an endowment that would help finance future operating budgets. The Save Stanford Fencing Committee formed last spring in order to meet these demands. Additional information may be found on this website, including the committee's plan, contact information and donation instructions. The Committee has currently raised nearly $55,000 and thus is in dire need for additional financial support. Also, given the vast breadth of talented and creative alumni, club and community members, the Committee would also be very interested in forging any business and sponsorship partnerships.

In addition, the Committee is currently building a network of fencers, called the Stanford Fencing Association, www.stanfordfencingassociation.com, which hopefully will be comprised of past and present Varsity fencers, club fencers, and the families and members of the community who care about fencing, to support each other and the sport of fencing at Stanford. This group will develop programs and publications to promote and preserve Stanford Fencing for many generations. Also, a number of connection groups have been created, including Linkedin.com (group "Stanford Fencing Alumni") and on facebook.com (groups "Stanford Fencing Alumni" and "Stanford Fencing Team"; causes "Save Stanford Fencing".) We would appreciate your support in joining any of these groups.

Fencing has been a tradition at Stanford University since 1891. Stanford University has produced six Olympic fencing team members and more than 20 All-Americans and National Champions. More importantly, the Stanford fencing program has allowed young men and women to develop self-confidence, camaraderie, and strength of mind. The greatest thing that Stanford Fencing gave me was the relationships that were created, molded, and sustained to this day. With your help, Stanford Fencing will be able to bring people together for many more years into the future. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alex Wood, Stanford, BS 2000, MS 2001 (Varsity Fencing Team-1996-2001) Alexandria, VA