ESU poised to further academic success

Foundation coming off near-record fiscal year, $1.843 million in scholarships awarded

The momentum of a strong fiscal year has turned the office of University Advancement at Emporia State University into a Hornets’ nest of activity.

The ESU Foundation recorded $5.24 million in donations in the 2006 fiscal year ending June 30. It is the second-highest total in the Foundation’s history and 18 percent higher than last year’s $4.44 million. The amount is also 36 percent higher than the average of the previous five years. The direct result is a record-setting $1.843 million in scholarships awarded to approximately 1,800 students during the fiscal year.

“The relationships each of our alumni and friends have with ESU are leading to wonderful things on this campus,” said Sandra Kramer, director of development and interim executive director of University Advancement. “By participating in the lives of students, our alumni and friends are opening doors of opportunity and shaping tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Foundation is also launching the final phase of Building Blocks for Success, the $15 million campaign for student scholarships. With just $2 million remaining, the “10x200” program seeks 200 gifts of $10,000 each to finish the campaign in 2007. 

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Emporia State,” said John Schwenn, interim president at ESU. “The Foundation is coming off such a remarkable year, adding to the usual excitement of our students coming back to campus for fall classes. Now we can build on that by offering an opportunity through the 10x200 for alumni and friends to play an integral role in student success.”

Yet another reason for the buzz is a growing staff in the Advancement office, which encompasses the Foundation and Alumni Relations offices. An additional development officer was brought on board in August, and an assistant alumni director will be added soon. Both are new positions designed to better serve the growing alumni base and student body.

“We certainly are working aggressively to reach out to alumni and friends while seeking to enhance each student’s educational experience,” Kramer said. “Credit the Foundation and Alumni leadership for recognizing the need and crafting solutions.”

Fifty-three new funds were established compared to 49 new funds created in FY05. In FY06, 6,400 donors answered the call. Donations came from all but one state, and from 98 of 105 Kansas counties. The Foundation’s total net assets now exceed $60 million for the first time.

Formed in May 1952, the Foundation awarded its first student scholarship in 1953. Dr. O. Everett Rich, an English professor and Endowment Association trustee, said at the time, “It would be a rare college that could not use money for scholarships. Certainly scholarships are the direst need at Emporia State University.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007>