A time to give

All-University Campaign provides chance to demonstrate spirit of community

 

For Cyreathia "Sam" Reyer, one of four co-chairs for the upcoming All-University Campaign for K-State, making a gift to K-State has been an easy decision.

"For me personally, it is easy," said Reyer, public service administrator I in the department of horticulture, forestry and recreation resources. "My youngest son was fortunate enough to receive a football scholarship at K-State, and a gift to the university is a way for me to give back and say ‘thank you' to donors who created the opportunity he has had to be a part of such a great organization."

This year's drive, dubbed the Unity and Pride Campaign, kicks off Sept. 11. It is an internal fundraising effort to benefit K-State. Campus volunteers run the campaign, which focuses on participation by all employees, faculty and staff of the campus, the K-State Alumni Association, Kansas State University Foundation and the athletic department.

Reyer's fellow co-chairs are Betsy Cauble, head of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work; Barbara Nagel, public service administrator in the registrar's office; and Gary Pierzynski, head of the department of agronomy. They plan to encourage campus colleagues to make a difference at K-State in areas where they care most.

"As a department head, I see firsthand the funding challenges we have," Cauble said. "We are constantly looking for resources for students in the form of financial aid and instructional equipment, for faculty in terms of salary, travel and professional development, increased opportunities and professional development for staff, and facilities upgrades.

"It is critical that we send a message to the community, legislators and donors that we care about this institution and we are willing to support it."

The annual campaign began in 2006 as part of the historic Changing Lives Campaign. The Unity and Pride Campaign highlights the principles that the campaign seeks to embody.

Through unity in giving to a common cause -- K-State -- faculty and staff demonstrate their pride in and commitment to the university.

"This campaign offers an opportunity to contribute to the continued success and pride of Kansas State University," Nagel said.

The Unity and Pride Campaign allows faculty and staff members to make one-time gifts, sign up for payroll deductions or explore a variety of long-range gift planning options designated to any of the funds and causes at K-State, with the specific goal of increasing campus participation.

In the campaign's first year, 16 percent of K-State employees made a gift to the university. By its second year, 32 percent of faculty and staff participated. The campaign co-chairs hope that participation will continue to rise.

"We would like to see the campaign continue to grow, and therefore, we would like to see participation and contributions this year exceed those of the previous year," Pierzynski said. "I would just ask that people consider K-State in their philanthropic activities."

The Unity and Pride Campaign will kick off Thursday, Sept. 11, in the K-State Student Union. Campaign packets with detailed instructions and giving materials will be available through any one of about 60 volunteer faculty and staff representatives.

 

Photo: Co-chairs for the Unity and Pride, the 2008 All-University Campaign for K-State, are Cyreathia Reyer (from left), Barbara Nagel, Betsy Cauble and Gary Pierzynski.