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Nov. 11, 2008 issue
EMU Foundation kicks off annual Faculty and Staff Campaign


By Marc Aust, EMU Foundation

 

The end of October, along with midterms, Halloween and the changing of the leaves, marks the kick-off for the Annual Faculty and Staff Campaign that has long become a tradition at Eastern Michigan University.

More than one-third of current and former staff members participate in the program annually, supporting EMU through their generous donations.

After the tremendous success of moving the campaign online last year, this year's solicitation will again take place on the Internet, making giving easier than ever. All staff members and faculty will be receiving e-mails announcing the program and outlining the giving process.

faculty and staff campaign logo

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: The EMU Foundation's
annual Faculty and Staff Giving is underway.
For the second consecutive year, the campaign
call for donations will be made online.

As usual, donors can choose among a wide variety of accounts for their gifts. To make sure the gift reaches its destination, the donor can select among hundreds of different funds, searchable by college or keyword. Of course, the EMU Foundation guarantees that 100 percent of each and every faculty and staff gift goes directly to the designated recipient.

Among the accounts, EMU employees also will find the EMU Excellence Fund, which was created this year by EMU President Susan Martin, to address the unmet needs of the University.

Last year's faculty and staff gifts totaled $1,088,070, a record-setting year due, in part, to the generous estate gift from emeritus staff member Helen Barr Rudin. As one of the many gifts to support EMU far into the future, Rudin's legacy gift has been designated for scholarships in music and general education.

Reaching the $1 million dollar mark and having a continuously high participation rate is a testament to the dedication of faculty and staff, and speaks volumes about their pride in the university, which, for many, has become more than a place to work.

"Out of our current and emeritus staff and faculty members, 31 percent donate to EMU," said Susan Rink, senior director of development. "Dollar amounts will fluctuate, but the steady and continuing commitment to Eastern shows that giving back has become a tradition at the University."

To become a part of this tradition, or to continue your support, simply visit www.emufoundation.org/fs_index.asp. The easy-to-use online form and the many choices make giving effortless. Whether you want to support scholarships, specific programs, whole departments or the EMU Excellence Fund, the choice is yours and the designation is easy.

Eastern Michigan University faculty and staff can donate using their credit card, check or by payroll deduction. If you choose payroll deduction, be sure to make your gift by Friday, Dec. 5, to take advantage of the maximum number of pays for the year 2009. If you prefer to give by check, simply print the online giving form and return it through campus mail to: Susan Rink, EMU Foundation, 1349 S. Huron, Ypsilanti, Mi 48197

"For over 20 years, faculty and staff have been generously giving back to EMU. Whether you are beginning or continuing your legacy at Eastern Michigan University, please consider the Faculty Staff Giving Program and make your gift today," Rink said.

The EMU Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that increases private support and manages endowment assets for the benefit of Eastern Michigan University.

For any additional questions or to receive more information, please visit emufoundation.org or contact Rink at (734) 481-2310.