Effort to educate women as pilanthropists is under way at WSU Foundation
By Mary Denise Deill and Lynette Murphy
Myth: You have to be a millionaire – and a man – to be a philanthropist.
Reality: Anyone can and should be a philanthropist.
 Courtesy photo Helen Halstead, assistant professor emeritus of nursing, speaks as one of five panelists at the first Women in Philanthropy luncheon in May 1999. Halstead, who established a scholarship, told those attending that she likes investing in something that keeps on giving. |
Across the nation, women are having an impact in philanthropy as donors, as CEOs of major corporations and as heads of private foundations, having a tangible influence on private giving. At the same time, the nonprofit, philanthropic sector is emerging as an integral part of the U.S. economy.
Women in Philanthropy at Wichita State University, formed in the past year by the WSU Foundation, is bringing women from all stages of life together to learn about the positive roles they can play in others’ lives.
The mission of the group, headed by a 12-member volunteer executive committee, is to educate and empower women to meet their philanthropic objectives, especially for the benefit of Wichita State.
Women in Philanthropy at WSU is hosting its first information session for the campus community Thursday, Oct. 5, in response to requests from faculty and staff who have heard about the effort. It has sponsored other events during the past year, open to the Wichita and WSU communities that have included panels of local philanthropists.
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Women in Philanthropy WSU women administrators, faculty and staff interested in women’s role in charity are invited to a Women in Philanthropy information session, "Creating a Caring Community," from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in the Regents Room of the Rhatigan Student Center. For more information about this event or the group, contact Beverly White, director of development, 978-3803 or bwhite@twsuvm.uc.twsu.edu. |
"With women owning approximately 33 percent of U.S. businesses, it is vital to the economy that women learn to reinvest in the community – and to know that they are entitled to make their own decisions when it comes to giving away their money," said Beverly White, a development director for the WSU Foundation who is heading the effort.
"Those of us who earn a living at WSU are especially cognizant of the needs of students. Women especially are often compelled to give back, and we want to help you determine how to do that."
Susan Kruger, retired assistant dean of the College of Health Professions and three-time WSU alumna, is one of those women giving of her treasure.
In her 24 years of teaching, Kruger saw firsthand how students struggled financially, making her determined to help ease the financial burden of getting an education. She has contributed over the years to a scholarship in the School of Nursing and enjoys the relationships she’s established with the recipients.
"I recall one female student who thanked me many, many times because she didn’t have to hold down a job and attempt high-level courses at the same time," Kruger said. "She felt it lifted a burden off her shoulders."
