In their own words: Faculty, staff share why they give to
Campus Campaign

As February, the official month of Campus Campaign 2003-04, enters its final week, UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff who have not already done so are encouraged to consider making a gift to the campaign. All gifts through June 30, 2004, will be recognized as Campus Campaign contributions as well as gifts to Fulfilling the Promise of Excellence, the university’s ongoing comprehensive fund-raising campaign.

Below, several faculty and staff share their reasons for giving to the campaign:

Barbara Solfest, program assistant, School of Education
“I participate in the UW-Eau Claire Foundation’s Campus Campaign by contributing to the Dr. Juanita Sorenson Scholarship. When I was a returning adult undergrad student in the 1980s, Dr. Sorenson provided encouragement and insight to help me attain my goal of a teaching degree in elementary education.

“By my senior year Dr. Sorenson had established the scholarship, and I was honored to be chosen as the first recipient. Over the years the size of the scholarship has grown, and I am pleased that I can contribute to this worthy scholarship to assist other education students in reaching their dreams of becoming elementary education teachers.”

Michael Carney, associate professor of chemistry
“In addition to being a faculty member, I’m also an alum. As an alum, I participate because I enjoy repaying the debt I owe UW-Eau Claire. As a faculty member, it is clear that these dollars provide valuable undergraduate experiences (access to outside speakers, scholarships and research opportunities — to name just a few) that would not be possible otherwise.”

Katherine Rhoades, associate dean, School of Education
“My partner and I believe that it is important to share our assets in ways that reflect the values that have shaped and enriched our family’s life. We respect UW-Eau Claire’s mission and believe that we are able to extend the institution’s vitality through our contributions.”

Carter Smith, assistant professor of foreign languages
“My wife and I believe that it is important to give back to the institution that is supporting me. More importantly, I am glad that the money we give is being used, in part, to increase student scholarships and to improve student programs. After all, the students are the reason we are all here.”

Karen Kremer, associate professor and department chair, communication and journalism
“I give because I see tangible results. Working on the front lines as a faculty member, I fully understand the needs and the impacts of my gift. I believe this is a university of people within a community of people who have a lot of heart. But we’re all up against baseline challenges. We’re trying to do all that’s right for supporting good results. I have to help, because I can. I only wish it could be more.”

Jeff Oliphant, assistant professor of kinesiology and athletics
“I feel that contributing to the Foundation is an obligation and a privilege that I have as a faculty member of this institution. I am here because of and for my students. If I am going to ask them to make sacrifices and to work hard to gain their goals while being a student at this institution and then ask them to make sacrifices and contributions to this institution when they are alumni, then at the very least I should be able to make the same sacrifices and contributions.

“This cycle of giving helps ensure that we can continue to give our current students and the students of the future an excellent education.”

Cynthia Welch, program assistant, Student Support Services/Services for Students with Disabilities
“I currently contribute through payroll deduction to the Helen X. Sampson Memorial Fund (to support the Women’s Studies Awards Celebration) and the Classified Staff Scholarship Fund, and I plan to increase my contribution in order to support the new Student Support Services Scholarship Fund.

“I contribute in order to recognize the efforts of our students and our UW-Eau Claire staff! Payroll deduction is a relatively painless way to contribute what I feel I can afford to give to a campus I have come to love.”

Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, interim assistant to the provost and senior lecturer of psychology
“I have chosen to participate in the campaign, specifically the Jim Vance Diversity Fund, because increasing the level of diversity has a positive impact on all students in challenging stereotypes, learning about different perspectives and in experiencing cognitive dissonance. In addition, success at college is more than grade point and a job offer, it is understanding how and why a liberal arts education helps us to engage in a pluralistic society and hopefully motivates us to become civically involved within our communities.”

Faculty and staff members can contribute to Campus Campaign 2003-04 anytime through June 30, 2004. To make a gift, complete the Campus Campaign pledge card sent in late January to all faculty and staff and return it via campus mail to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, 214 Schofield Hall. If you misplaced your pledge card or did not receive one, contact the Foundation at 836-5630 and one will be sent to you.