Focus EMU Online: Feature Story

The Eastern Michigan University Foundation has announced record fundraising of $7.9 million in fiscal year 2007-2008. The EMU Foundation fundraises exclusively on behalf of Eastern Michigan University.

Preliminary figures, as of June 30, 2008, include cash gifts of more than $7.1 million, best-ever for the University; and gifts-in-kind of nearly $800,000. The $7.9 million exceeds the 2006-2007 total of $4.2 million by 88 percent.

"We at the EMU Foundation are thrilled to announce this record-breaking fundraising, a real tribute to the commitment and generosity of our donors. The designated funds will benefit so many excellent programs and students at EMU," said Ronald G. Miller, associate vice president for development.

Several historic gifts are included in the $7.9 million. They include:

Parsons

$2.2 million from the trust of renowned sculptor and potter Jean Noble Parsons, the largest from an estate in the history of EMU. The University will use this gift to establish the Jean Noble Parsons Center for the Study of Art and Science on 86 wooded acres near Traverse City and Interlochen.

More than $500,000 from the estate of Helen Rudin, emeritus staff of EMU, whose gift will support scholarships in music and general studies; and $200,000 from the estate of Catherine Sesi, longtime friend of Ypsilanti and EMU.

Record fundraising benefiting Intercollegiate Athletics at EMU, including $254,000 raised by the E-Gridiron Group (EGG) in FY2007-2008. Over the past three years, the EGG has contributed more than $685,000 to the program, the largest amount of gifts received to date for a non-facility-related project by a single group in EMU Athletics history. Funds help provide the football program with numerous upgrades and level the playing field with the rest of the Mid-American Conference.

A gift to the Kresge Science Initiative Challenge of $250,000 from the American Electric Power Foundation, which will help build a $1 million science equipment endowment.

Gifts of $225,000 from alumnus and former track athlete Dan McClory, part of an historic $1 million pledge, to help build a Championship Fund for EMU's men's and women's track and field and cross-country programs.

$200,000 additional support from area philanthropist Phil Jenkins to the Jenkins-Tracy Scholar Program, which benefits "return to learn" students in EMU's Educational Leadership and Counseling Program.

Gifts of nearly $185,000 from alumnus Delores Brehm and her husband, William, which supported a scholarship in the master's in public administration program, and scholarships and research in EMU's Special Education Department.