Student Foundation to build on its success

Fresh off a successful holiday fundraising project, the Student Foundation at Emporia State University is making plans for the future.

The student organization, formed last year as a liaison between students and the ESU Foundation and to assist in development efforts, met its $2,000 goal for the Light the Night project in December. Christmas lights in the trees in front of Plumb Hall were lit up through individual donations, and the student group offered proceeds to support ESU scholarships and United Way of the Flint Hills.

“We had a great response. It was really exciting,” said Angela Blaufuss, executive chair of the Student Foundation. “We reached our goal and raised over $2,000. It was nice to have the response from the community – we heard a lot of comments about the trees and making the university look nice.”

Now, the Student Foundation has its sights set on other ideas for the fall semester, Blaufuss said. One is a brick project for graduating seniors to permanently leave their legacy on campus. Another is the “1863 Society,” marking the year of ESU’s founding. Students can pledge $18.63 to join the group. Other universities have had success with similar student projects, Blaufuss said.

The affordable gifts will encourage graduates to continue giving as they begin their careers, offering a lifetime benefit to the university – and to the graduate. The new organization is learning this valuable lesson.

“I’ve learned so much about how great it is to give back to your university and take pride in it and raise awareness,” Blaufuss said.

The students are also learning that philanthropy is a matter of choice. Alumni, family and friends have plenty of options for giving, so the success of the Light the Night project became all the more meaningful.

“Although it may be hard work to reach the goal, the satisfaction of achieving a goal and in the process benefiting others makes everything worthwhile,” said Courtney George, the executive vice-chair.

For more information or to become involved, contact Angela or Courtney at (620) 341-5481.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>