Dear Name, I am not your average undergraduate student. I am 29 years old and I have navigated a road less traveled to arrive at the place I am today. After high school I attempted college, but I wasn’t ready. Instead, I worked—and I worked hard. I spent time as a waiter in Frankenmuth, a steel yard worker in Las Vegas, and a shop worker in Lansing. At 25, I was already growing weary of the path I chose, and I couldn’t help but wonder every time I clocked in at my job— is there another way? In the summer of 2010, I finally had the chance to confront that question head on. Laid off from my job, I finally decided to follow my dreams. I enrolled at a community college, and after two years I transferred to Eastern Michigan University to pursue a degree to teach elementary education. I’ll never forget the day I enrolled at Eastern. Within minutes I was notified that I qualified for a transfer scholarship. I cannot begin to tell you how helpful that scholarship was during my first year at EMU. And when I discovered all that was offered at EMU—from a multitude of other scholarships to the Math Lab, from the Library’s Holman Success Center to the amazing lab spaces in the Science Complex, I couldn’t help but be utterly thankful for the opportunities in front of me. Donors like you have made my dream possible. When you give to EMU, you provide classroom enhancements, extended programs to help me focus on my studies, and increased financial aid through scholarships. On behalf of my fellow classmates—especially those like me who came to EMU on their second chance—thank you for supporting our dreams. Earlier this year, you supported EMU and helped invest in a lifetime of opportunity for students like me. As we approach the end of this academic year, I ask you to consider renewing your support for our spring programming. By simply renewing your last gift of <ASK3>, you will help EMU maintain all the programs my classmates depend on to further our studies. Making your gift is easy: you may either fill out and return the attached gift card or make your gift online at: emufoundation.org/give. I am well on my way to achieving my dream, but it has not been an easy road. When I graduate in Spring 2016, I will be the first person in my family to earn a college degree; an achievement that means so much to a man who just five short years ago never thought a college education was possible. I am forever thankful for this opportunity before me and I am grateful for support from donors like you. Thank you for helping me reach my full potential. Sincerely,
Kyle Richardson Class of 2016 I (We) want to inspire tomorrow’s leaders by investing in Eastern Michigan University! Please accept a gift of: $ASK1 $ASK2 $ASK3 Other:__________
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__________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in making a multi-year commitment, please contact Jackie Richardson, Director of Annual Giving at 734.481.2330. __________________________________________________________________ Eastern Michigan University Foundation l 1349 S. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 l 734.484.1322 l www.emufoundation.org The Eastern Michigan University Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission is to encourage and manage gifts for the benefit of Eastern Michigan University. To ensure accurate credit, please return this form with your payment. Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service rules.