Faculty Fund Drive Sets Records

The Faculty/Staff Annual Giving campaign paused to recognize its outstanding performers Wednesday, announcing that records have been set in almost every aspect of the annual campaign that was first conducted three years ago at Sam Houston State University.

"Response has been phenomenal," said Keith Jenkins, who along with Laverne Warner was co-chair for the initial phase of the campaign that began Sept. 24 and ended Nov. 3. Contributions will continue to be accepted through the end of the academic year.

"We encourage faculty and staff to continue to give," said Warner.

Through last year's completed fund drive 275 faculty/staff members participated, while this year the donor level has already reached 389, or 32 percent of SHSU employees. More than $50,000 has been given or pledged.

James Gaertner, SHSU president, said the campaign's success is an indication of a great team spirit on the SHSU campus.

"I am especially pleased at the participation rate because employees gave even without knowing if they would be getting the pay increase approved last week by the board of regents," he said.

Gaertner and Cindy Truax, assistant director for development and the annual fund coordinator, presented plaques to Jenkins, Warner and representatives of administrative divisions in three award categories.

Plaques were awarded for Highest Amount Raised to the College of Education and Applied Science, Highest Percentage Donor Participation to the Division of Academic Affairs, and Highest Percentage Donor Participation Increase to the Division of Finance and Operations.

Committee members were also presented certificates of appreciation. They include Donna Artho
Sandy Baker, Jerry Bruce, Joey Chandler, Cutty Gilbert, Kathy Gilcrease, Sherry Henke, John Holcombe, Wes Johnson, Phyllis Kennedy, Suzette Kohers, Maureen McIntyre, Cheryl Patton, Daughn Pruitt, Dorothy Roberson, Carol Shaw, Dave Smith, Vic Sower, Debbie Stubbs, Terry Thibodeaux, Joellen Tipton and Bobby Williams.

“Faculty and staff participation in giving is important -- not only for the needed gifts, but because it helps the development office market our case to alumni and friends by showing our internal support," said Truax.

Contributions to the Annual Fund support scholarships, faculty and staff development, student activities, academic program enrichment and technology and equipment upgrades. Gifts can be earmarked for SHSU’s greatest need, or any particular area of interest.

President Gaertner, left, and Cindy Truax, right, recognize co-chairs Keith Jenkins and Laverne Warner.

College of Education and Applied Science representatives accept the award for Highest Amount Raised. They are, from left, Dean Genevieve Brown, Phyllis Kennedy, Sherry Henke, Jerry Bruce, and Laverne Warner.

Representatives of the Division of Academic Affairs, from left, Joey Chandler, David Payne, and Dorothy Roberson, accept the Highest Percentage Donor Participation Award.

Joellen Tipton from residence life and Debbie Stubbs from financial aid accept the Highest Percentage Donor Participation Increase Award on behalf of the Division of Finance and Operations.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Dec. 4, 2003
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