This is an opportunity for all of us who work here to make a significant difference in the life of someone else, Lukken said. That combined generosity may allow a student to go to school without having to work a full-time job. It can improve the resources available at the library or advance the skills of a fellow colleague. Ultimately, faculty and staff can designate their money toward the area of campus they feel has the greatest need. Gene Sessions, a history professor and co-chair of the steering committee, says it makes a gift more meaningful when you realize you can decide how it should be used.
Many people think when they donate to the university the money goes into some black hole.
But the truth is, donations can be earmarked and you can see exactly how your money is going to be spent. Unlike the overall campaign goal to raise a specific dollar amount, the in ternal drive will be focused on increasing participation. About 27 percent of our employees have contributed to the to the university since the quiet phase of the capital campaign began in 1998, Sessions said. We'd love to be able to double that number. We're not asking for a lot of money, but we are asking for a lot of people to get involved in whatever way they can.