Campus Campaign '09 Chairs Larry Solberg and Jodi Thesing-Ritter

To our friends and Colleagues:

Campus Campaign only reinforced what we already knew: The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a community of caring, committed people. The bounteous giving to Campus Campaign 2009 has reaffirmed our belief in the positive and engaged employees of UW-Eau Claire who continue their unselfish giving despite a dismal economy.

We have been gratified to learn of the many ways faculty, staff and emeriti support UW-Eau Claire and to learn what matters most to you. Taking advantage of the opportunity to match new gifts and gift increases, a couple that normally gives $1,000 gave $2,000, resulting in a $3,000 gift, and a new donor gave $2,500, resulting in a $5,000 gift. 

To date more than 400 current and retired employees have already contributed more than $338,000 in fiscal year 2009. This includes a bequest of $149,000. While the active phase of the campus campaign is over, the UW-Eau Claire Foundation accepts gifts, payroll deduction pledges and other commitments throughout the year, so members of the campus community are invited and encouraged to give anytime.

Thank you for your gifts, which have a dramatic impact on the people and programs at UW-Eau Claire. The effect of this generosity will have an impact throughout the campus for generations to come.

Larry Solberg
Associate Dean College of Education and Human Sciences

Jodi Thesing-Ritter
Associate Dean of Students

Supporting what is important to you
Your campus campaign contribution is your chance to immediately and directly support areas of the university where you have the greatest interest. Consider a department opportunity fund or a student organization or a cause that is important to you. See a listing of some of the established funds or write in your specific interest when you make your gift.

How to make a gift
Payroll deduction is one of the many ways to make your gift.

Campaign stories

• Campus Campaign Kickoff
• Two Receive UW-Eau Claire Classified Staff Scholarships
• Fund Supports Efforts of Student Organizations
• New Student Group Encourages Philanthropy
• Why We Give: Reflections on Giving from Faculty and Staff

Matching gifts
Any employee who gives for the first time will have his or her gift matched, or if an employee who previously has given increases his or her gift, the amount of the increase will be matched. New cash gifts or a gift increase must be received between Jan. 26 and Feb. 27, 2009, and will be matched up to $8,500. The match money will be processed to the designated account quarterly.

Your contribution to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation can also be doubled or even tripled by a matching gift from your spouse's or significant other's employer.

Employee appreciation lunch canceled
Economic concerns have led to the decision to cancel this year’s UW-Eau Claire Foundation Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

“We are grateful for the involvement of so many members of the campus community in the Campus Campaign,” said Kimera Way,  UW-Eau Claire Foundation executive director. “Traditionally we have demonstrated that gratitude with an employee appreciation luncheon. After much deliberation, it was decided that this year, in light of the current economic challenges, university budget constraints and the need for the Foundation to provide as much direct support as possible to students, the luncheon scheduled for Feb. 27 should be cancelled.”

“Our gratitude remains unchanged, and when better economic times return, we will reinstitute the luncheon,” Way said.  “Please know we are inspired by the selflessness of our campus community members in all they do for the university, and we trust that in that spirit they will understand our decision.”