After recognizing the significant positive impact of planned gifts on the future of Wichita State University, WSU Foundation President Elizabeth King, with approval from the WSU Foundation Board of Directors, put plans in place for the Promise for the Future campaign.

The campaign goal is to secure 100 new planned gift commitments in an 18-month period.

The foundation's staff will educate new and existing donors on the benefits, both for the donor and for WSU, on planned giving — gifts that will be received or available for use after the death of the donor or designee.

Planned giving has become increasingly important to WSU. During the past four years, the foundation has received an average of $9.9 million a year from matured planned gifts for the students and programs of WSU.

In addition, the foundation is aware of more than 475 planned gift expectancies, which will provide in excess of $72 million in support of future Shockers.

The Promise for the Future campaign will be guided by WSU Foundation planned giving staff and led by a campaign cabinet co-chaired by Barry and Cindy '77, '85 Schwan.

The cabinet comprises other local, civic-minded Shocker supporters, each of whom has made a personal commitment to support the future of WSU through a planned gift.

Partnering with the WSU Foundation in this broad-based effort will be development staff from the WSU Alumni Association, athletics, campus life and university relations, and KMUW 89.1.

"We are excited to be involved with the Promise for the Future campaign," said Barry Schwan. "The potential results will ensure that future Shockers and important programs at WSU will have the financial foundation to succeed for generations to come."

Planned gift donors may designate the purpose of their gift for any program at the university. By sharing their gift plans with foundation staff, donors help to assure that their future gift will be used according to their wishes.

While many planned gift donors will accept public recognition through membership in the Society of 1895, some will choose for their gift details to remain confidential and known only to foundation staff.

"Regardless of whether the gift is made through a will, trust, life insurance, retirement plan or gift annuity, our focus is helping donors match their vision for support with the future needs of the university," said Michael Lamb, WSU Foundation vice president for planned giving.

Promise for the Future Campaign Cabinet Members

• Barry Schwan, co-chair – House of Schwan president
• Cindy Schwan '77, '85, co-chair – community volunteer
• Jerry Aaron '63 – retired senior vice president and counsel for Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon
• Tony Durano '85 – State Farm Insurance agent
• Justus Fugate '60, '62 – Kansas Venture Capital Inc. chairman of the board
• Bryan Hanning '80 – AGH Solutions LLC vice president
• Sharon Iorio – WSU professor and dean of the College of Education
• Anita Jones '53 – community volunteer
• Roger Lowe – WSU senior vice president
• Phil May – retired faculty in the WSU School of Accountancy
• Jane McHugh '80 – retired CPA and Partner with BKD LLP
• Phil Neff '64 – PRN Consulting Inc. owner and consultant
• Dan Peare '82, '85 – estate planning attorney with Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC
• Julie Scherz '69, '71, '89 – associate professor in the WSU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Chris Shank '69 – commercial sales executive with Willis HRH