A long-term goal of the University Staff Council has been to create a Foundation account to provide the opportunity for philanthropic support for university staff at UW-Eau Claire. This is not an uncommon concept as several departments across our campuses have accounts with this purpose, supporting initiatives specific to those departments. University Staff Council can benefit greatly from this support as well. Current chair Nicole Owen and the full council are pleased to announce that this goal has finally been met.
The University Staff Council Advancement Fund is now open and is prepared to accept donations. Several individuals and retirees throughout the years have asked for a way to give back to our campus in ways that would benefit university staff specifically. This is a great step in allowing that philanthropy to take place. Our first donation is from a previous University Staff Council chair who recently retired. Upon their retirement, they set aside funds specifically to go into this Foundation account upon its creation. We are elated to be able to honor that wish.
There are two main purposes for the University Staff Council Advancement Fund at this time, with endless possibilities to grow. The primary use is to assist with the funding of monthly Employee Appreciation Awards and prize packages. These Employee Appreciation Awards have been delivered monthly on campus to lucky winners from the Thank a Blugold submissions. The Employee Appreciation Committee is responsible for soliciting nominations and coordinating the various recognitions and incentives of the Employee Appreciation Program.
The second purpose of the account is to support funding for the Professional Development Conference hosted by the University Staff Council at UW-Eau Claire each summer. The funds support the keynote speaker, supplies leading up to and during the event, and food and beverages for attendees to enjoy.
The University Staff Council represents more than 340 university staff members at all UW-Eau Claire campuses. The University Staff Council Advancement Fund will benefit university staff members for years to come. If you are interested in donating to the fund, please click this link to donate.
