Emporia State University Foundation marks an outstanding fundraising year

Cash and pledges up 37 percent from previous year

As the Emporia State University community celebrates the return of students for a new school year, the ESU Foundation is pleased to announce one of the best fundraising years in the Foundation’s history.

In the 2008 fiscal year ending June 30, total fundraising activity at the ESU Foundation – including cash gifts, pledges and deferred gifts – was $6.59 million, up from the previous year’s $6.37 million. The FY08 cash gifts and pledges jumped to $4.886 million, up 37 percent from $3.557 million in FY07.

“The commitment we’re seeing from the friends of ESU is remarkable,” said Linda Pease, chief development officer at the Foundation. “It’s a tribute to the donors. Behind every gift to ESU students is a donor who decided to make higher education more accessible, and we’re inspired by that.”

ESU President Michael Lane agreed, noting that the tightening state support for higher education makes private fundraising all the more imperative.

“The students are starting to return for the fall semester, and seeing them on campus is a perfect reminder of why all of us – faculty and staff, the community, donors and lawmakers – remain committed to educating tomorrow’s leaders for Kansas, the nation, and the world,” Lane said.

At the University Advancement office – housing the ESU Foundation and the Alumni Association – the strong fiscal year is cause for celebration.

“It’s so exciting to see the numbers go up at the end of the year – it’s an affirmation of the entire Advancement team’s effort and cooperation,” said Judith Heasley, executive director of University Advancement and president of the ESU Foundation. “Our mission is simple – to build relationships and support for ESU today and tomorrow – and we’re achieving it with a team effort, from the fundraising staff to those who receipt gifts, from database support to publicity, from the alumni and donor events that build awareness, to fiscal affairs, our students, volunteers and support staff. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Last Updated August 7, 2008>