The goal of Eastern Michigan University's annual Faculty
and Staff Giving Program is to raise money for
scholarships and programs that benefit EMU students. And
with this year's campaign underway, the focus continues
to be on increasing faculty and staff participation with
a message that the gift — no matter the size — is what
counts.
 |
CONSISTENT DONORS: Karen and
Mike Paciorek, both EMU professors,
have consistently been proud donors
to the Faculty and Staff Giving
Program. The campaign is currently
underway. |
In prior years, more than 30 percent of current
and emeritus staff and faculty members have donations
to the giving program. In fiscal year 2009, their contributions
totaled more than $890,000.
"The annual giving participation rates from faculty and
staff are impressive," said Susan Rink, senior director
of development for the EMU Foundation. "The amount that
is given back to the University really highlights the strong
sense of community on campus. It's great to see such a
strong tradition in place."
There are significant financial needs all across campus,
so individuals can designate their gift to the department,
program or fund of their choice. One hundred percent of
each gift will go directly to the designated recipient.
For the convenience of donors, a variety of payment options
are available. Donations can be made online at http://emufoundation.org/email2009.html,
or by completing the online gift form at the same site
and mailing a check or money order to the EMU Foundation
at 1349 S. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, Mich. 48197. Faculty
and staff also may elect the payroll deduction option.
To maximize the number of payments on a pledge, the payroll
deduction form needs to be submitted by Dec. 4.
"We don't really set a dollar goal. To target a goal
that builds off of last year or previous years may not
be attainable," Rink said, explaining that large gifts
that periodically come in make it difficult to set a dollar
goal from one year to the next. "We focus on trying
to get as much participation as we can."
Michael and Karen Paciorek are two members of the EMU
community who have regularly chosen to participate in the
Faculty and Staff Giving Program. Michael, a physical education
professor, and Karen, an education professor, see the University's
needs every day and have responded with contributions to
the giving program.
"We are so lucky to work with college students on a daily
basis and feel fortunate to play a key role in the education
of students who will leave EMU one day and go on to achieve
great things in life," said Karen Paciorek who, along with
husband Michael, has taught at EMU for 29 years. "We support
the Faculty and Staff campaign because we see firsthand
all the good it does in the lives of our students and the
ways it makes our University even better."
Former faculty and staff members also remember the University
in their financial plans. This year, EMU received more
than $59,000 as the final distribution from the estate
of Helen B. Rubin, an emeritus staff member. Rubin designated
her bequest to support two scholarship funds: the Dorothy
James Music Endowed Scholarship and the Associated Women
Students Endowed Scholarship No. 2.
"We hope you join our annual tradition of giving back," said
Jackie Thorpe, director of annual giving. "Your contributions
make the real difference for our students, programs and
facility improvements."
For questions about making a donation to the Faculty and
Staff Giving Program, contact Thorpe at (734) 481-2330
or e-mail jthorpe@emich.edu — Ron
Podell contributed to this report.
