[Back to Inside]

By Lynette Murphy

Into the sixth week of the faculty/staff Annual Fund for Excellence campaign, support from WSU employees is slow.

A total of 52 faculty and staff had pledged $3,421 to their departments and colleges through the Endowment Association’s annual effort as of Oct. 25.

Even though that number is low – about 2.5 percent of the 2,100 faculty and staff – fund coordinator Brandon Smith is encouraged by the average gift amount.

"We’re getting pledges for $100 and more, and the average gift is $66," Smith says.

Payroll deduction is the most popular way to give, allowing employees to spread their gift over several months or indefinitely.

But you don’t have to contribute $100 to sign the form – gifts as low as $25 are encouraged because participation is key.

"It would be impressive to tell alumni that 80 percent of WSU’s community has literally given back to their workplace," says Smith.

The Annual Fund for Excellence solicits funds for student scholarships, faculty and staff development, and equipment and technology needs campuswide.

Donors may earmark their funds for a department, college or area, and 100 percent of their donation goes directly to that cause. The majority of faculty/staff gifts so far support Ablah Library.

Smith encourages employees to turn in their enrollment forms – which were sent through campus mail in mid-September – by Dec. 31 to allow for a 1999 tax deduction.

To receive a form or for more information, contact Smith at ext. 3819 or b_smith@twsu.edu.