Why We Give: Reflections on Giving from Faculty and Staff
As UW-Eau Claire employees consider their gifts to the 2009-10 Campus Campaign, it may be helpful to know the reasons why several of their colleagues have chosen to establish strong giving records.
Dr. Beth Hellwig, the vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at UW-Eau Claire, began giving to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation shortly after arriving on campus in summer 2008.
"I was coming from a culture where administrators participated in giving as a way to illustrate their support of the students," said Hellwig, who served as dean of student services at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., before coming to UW-Eau Claire. "It seemed perfectly natural to demonstrate that same support here at UW-Eau Claire."
Evidence of the value of such giving is all around her on campus, Hellwig said.
"I just got back from the Civil Rights Pilgrimage trip, and without contributors many of the students would not have had the opportunity to go on such a wonderful learning experience," Hellwig said.
Tough economic times have also made contributions more necessary than ever, Hellwig said.
"We need contributions to fund special initiatives and many athletic opportunities for students. Contributing even in the smallest way shows you believe in the product, which in our case is making the best college experience possible for students," Hellwig said.
Tom Miller, professor emeritus of history, has been giving to Campus Campaign for nearly 40 years. Although an alumnus of three different universities, Dr. Miller has chosen to give to UW-Eau Claire, where he devoted his career to teaching.
"UW-Eau Claire became part of my life far more than I could ever have imagined," Miller said. "I know the quality of our students and faculty, and to the degree that I can afford to do so, I want to continue to assist in their work. In particular, the department of history has been my academic home for a long time, and I believe it's one of the finest departments anywhere."
Miller's wife, Mary Ryan-Miller, former associate dean of students, also supports UW-Eau Claire rather than her alma mater. She also spent the majority of her academic life here.
"We value our connection to UW-Eau Claire and our many friends here," Ryan-Miller said.
Through Campus Campaign, faculty and staff have the opportunity to support what has the meaning for them, whether it is a department, program or scholarship. This is the last week that new gifts and gift increases can be matched. For more information about Campus Campaign, the matching gift challenge or how to designate gifts, contact Diane Doudna at doudnadn@uwec.edu or 715-836-3819.
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