Annual Fund Campaign Kicks Off

The campaign, which is organized by the Office of University Advancement, was developed to give employees the opportunity to make annual gifts to the university.

Annual Fund gifts are an important source of funds for scholarships and operational support for academic excellence at SHSU, including equipment, student research and travel, faculty development and special projects, said Cindy Truax, assistant director for development.

"The dollar amount is not as important as the fact that employees participate," said Truax. "Whether it's $25, $100 or $1,000...every dollar counts."

Truax said that annual fund gifts have a tremendous impact on the ability of the institution to support programs not funded by state appropriations, and that these gifts can also make the difference between a good program and an exceptional one.

"Participation by faculty and staff sends an important message to alumni, parents and other donors," said Truax."It shows that the faculty and staff believe in SHSU. Not only are they giving of their time and talents every day in their jobs, but they're also willing to make an investment...an investment in the future of this university."

There are several ways that a university employee can give to the Annual Fund, Truax said.

"You can give an outright gift with cash, check or credit card, make a pledge, or you can sign up for the employee payroll deduction plan. Gifts are tax deductible and can be designated to the area of your choice."

The success of last year's first Facualty/Staff Annual Fund Campaign was due to people like Carol Shaw, secretary for the accounting department in the College of Business Administration, said Truax.

Shaw enrolled in the payroll deduction plan. When asked about her reason for giving to the university, Shaw said, "I am an alumna of Sam Houston State and I have worked here for 23 years. I have the best job in the world and I wanted to give something back to the university that I love and to the students and faculty that have made my job so rewarding and enjoyable.

"Payroll deduction is an easy and painless way to support a certain department or fund that you feel deserves your financial support," Shaw added. "If every employee gave just the minimum amount through payroll deduction, Sam Houston State University and our students would benefit tremendously."

University employees have been contacted through campus mail and asked to participate. For more information regarding this program or other ways to make a gift to Sam Houston State University, contact the Office of University Advancement at 936.294.3625.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Oct. 25, 2001
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