2007 Faculty-Staff Campaign kicks off

Interim Accounting Chair Becky Casey can remember the first time she thought about making a donation to Pittsburg State University. As she was completing her BA in 1982, her accounting chair at the time often expressed his support of the school and encouraged his students to do the same when they graduated.

“He reminded us of how important it is,” said Casey, who is one of several employees featured this year on the 2007 “The Power of ONE” Faculty-Staff Campaign posters set up in buildings across campus. “I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for the university and I know it’s what it takes to make sure we can continue to produce successful students.”

Hopefully, the message will continue to filter down. The annual Faculty-Staff Campaign runs this week from Oct. 1 to Oct. 5. The campaign, which raises money for areas such as scholarship funds, individual academic departments, and to the university’s unrestricted account, is the school’s way of drumming up support from within.

“It’s a great way for faculty and staff to give back to the university and make sure their donations go to the specific areas they want to support,” said Director of Annual Giving Holly Kent. “But it also shows the community beyond PSU that we care enough to support our own programs and students. If they see we support our own university, they’re more likely to give, as well.”

The university is hoping to exceed last year’s donation total of $52,826. With nearly 800 current employees and 300 retired faculty and staff members, even small gifts can add up. Although the campaign drive is this week, any charitable gift received before June 30, 2008, will be counted toward the 2007 campaign. A “thank you” celebration will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Heritage Room in the Overman Student Center.

Several faculty and staff members have contributed their time to the planning of the campaign. Co-chairs include Dr. Julie Allison, psychology and counseling; Wanda Endicott, director of custodial and general services; Dr. Ken Bateman, director emeritus of alumni and constituent relations; as well as the multiple faculty and staff featured on the campaign posters.

It’s one poster, says Casey, she hopes employees will take time to stop and read.

“The university is a wonderful place to work. I think it’s a privilege to be here,” she said. “I feel a personal responsibility to give, but employees should know it takes everyone to make this work.”

For more information on the campaign or to make a donation, contact the Office of University Development at 620-235-4768.

Photo: Blake Bard, major gifts officer for the College of Business, sets up one of the "Power of ONE" displays.

---Pitt State---