S T U D E N T S U C C E S S • AC A D E M I C E XC E L L E N C E C A M P U S R E V I T A L I Z AT I O N
MAKE NO LITTLE PLANS Eastern Kentucky University’s development has reached a pivotal moment. Strong leadership, combined with dedicated faculty, alumni and friends who love and support the institution, position us to make highly ambitious plans for our future. However, shifting priorities across the American higher education landscape have resulted in significant reductions in public funding that are unlikely to be reversed anytime soon. As we continue building the best version of Eastern, we are increasingly reliant upon the support of those who believe in our work and want to see the University become even stronger. As we look boldly toward the horizon, we invite you to join us in supporting a $50 million campaign that will help Eastern Kentucky University make progress on its transformation into a premier university that is the best of its kind in America. It may sound lofty, but we believe big plans are the only kind worth making. With the might of Colonel Nation behind us, there is no challenge we can’t overcome.
EKU’S THREE FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS Make No Little Plans: The Campaign for EKU is focused on strengthening three pillars that have the largest impact on the nearly 17,000 students who have chosen EKU, as well as hundreds of thousands of Colonels yet to come. You can choose which pillar your gift will support:
STUDENT SUCCESS Scholarships and initiatives that enable Colonels to achieve their dreams.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The people and programs that make EKU’s instruction second to none.
CAMPUS REVITALIZATION The buildings and landscapes of The Campus Beautiful. Each of these pillars are critical to the mission of EKU. They have already attracted the support of generous men and women who are changing lives of the students who benefit from their kindness.
$50 MILLION Each pillar is like the leg of a three-legged stool. Without all of them, the stool wouldn’t work. Significant support from alumni, friends and corporate partners have kept EKU standing. That’s why EKU is seeking $50 million, which will help transform the University into a truly premier educational institution.
SUCCESS
STUDENT
OFFER A HELPING HAND TO STUDENTS Approximately 42 percent of EKU students are the first in their families to earn a college degree, and 45 percent are classified as low-income. As Kentucky’s school of opportunity, EKU provides a pathway for students with precious few advantages. We enable them to become the next generation of teachers, nurses, lawyers, police officers, entrepreneurs, pilots, civic leaders, scientists and much more. Assuring our students’ success is our number one priority. A robust endowment and enhanced scholarship support are paramount to that effort. There is no shortage of ways to help students succeed. Need-based scholarships ease the financial burden for students who lack the means to attend college. Competitive, merit-based scholarships give the region’s brightest students a chance to shine. College and departmental scholarships boost recruitment efforts and recognize students who show great promise in their fields. Academic enrichment initiatives equip Colonels with the skills necessary to succeed and thrive. Research and travel awards will literally open the world to students. The list goes on. As a donor, you steer the ship. You pick the demographics you wish to support and the accomplishments you wish to reward. However you give, you will empower students who need it most.
STUDENT SUCCESS
AGGIE WILLIAMS Senior Aggie Williams is a living example of the power of hard work and the importance of scholarship support. Her early years were spent in Liberia, Africa, where she lived in a small house with 11 others, including grandparents, parents, aunts and cousins, and studied by candlelight. The family migrated in 2005 to Louisville, Kentucky, where Williams’ hard work in high school resulted in several impressive scholarships, including the Meredith J. Cox Scholarship, Clarence H. Gifford Scholarship, Layne-Wood Endowed Scholarship and the Rodney Gross Diversity Scholarship, among others. “The scholarships reduced my financial stress and (allowed) me to focus more on my studies,” Williams said. “They created more interest and motivation to pursue my education.” In 2017, she found her true passion: pharmaceutical research. Williams spent the summer studying the efficacy of a novel chemotherapeutic agent in reducing breast cancer tumor growth. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences.
22,000
visits to the Student Success Center since it opened in 2016.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER Two hearts are beating as one in EKU’s new Student Success Center, a one-stop shop to help students with anything they could possibly need. The new center resulted from Paul and Deborah Chellgren’s desire to focus their philanthropic support on higher education in their beloved Kentucky. “What’s most important to us are programs that help students succeed,” Mr. Chellgren said. “This is where ... lives are changed.” The couple’s $500,000 donation endowed the Chellgren Success Series and the operating budget for the center.
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EKU IS KENTUCKY’S UNIVERSITY EKU produces more workers who live and work in Kentucky than any other public, four-year institution, including police officers, firefighters, nurses, social workers, teachers and more. Want to use your gift to help Kentuckians overcome their circumstances? Look no further than EKU.
87 % of EKU Undergraduate Students are Kentucky residents. Every county is represented in the student body.
65 % of all undergraduate degree recipients are low-income, first-generation or both. 42% of students are first-generation. 45% of students are low-income.
71% of EKU degree holders go back to work in Kentucky.
EKU students include
13 %
military veterans and
980 300
of EKU students are underrepresented minorities.
dependents.
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED 2014
2015
2016
2017
1,200 1,151 1,000
2018 1,252
1,041 861
800 600 400
542
200
$320,123
$624,793
$809,788
$1,024,672
$1,128,039
STUDENT SUCCESS
OMAR SALINAS-CHACON He has never shied away from opportunity, even when it proved challenging. But, for Omar Salinas-Chacon and his family, who came to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2001, no challenge is bigger than simply financing a college education. His father works at a grocery chain warehouse, while his mother is employed as a kitchen worker with a fast food franchise. That’s why a $700 Medina Endowed Scholarship is such a boost to the EKU Honors junior with a double major in Spanish and political science and a 3.9 GPA. In 2015, Salinas-Chacon was the only Kentucky college student invited to the White House for a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. In 2017, he was named Student of the Year by the National Collegiate Honors Council, the organization’s top honor in the nation. Now he’s helping others see the value of education as he builds bridges of goodwill and understanding while pursuing his dreams. “The Medina Scholarship helps me stay at EKU,” he said, “and allows me to receive a great education that will allow me to go to law school.”
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EXcellence
ACADEMIC
RAISE THE BAR ON ACADEMICS Eastern is known as one of Kentucky’s most distinguished learning institutions for good reason. The breadth and depth of programming and the credentials of our professors are second to none in the region. International students come from 43 countries to learn here. Academic excellence is the cornerstone of our mission. We seek to develop our pedigree even further. We anticipate through the course of this campaign that we will uncover opportunities to make strategic investments in new and expanded academic programs. Through diverse and in-demand program offerings, EKU graduates will continue to be trailblazers in new fields, and will be highly sought after by employers. Exceptional faculty are key. They teach and mentor our students, contribute to campus life, enhance the scholarly reputation of the institution, and help develop and expand an innovative curriculum. Their overall impact is immeasurable — each professor touches thousands upon thousands of lives. In order to reach our fullest potential as a university, we must strengthen the resources available to retain our leading teachers and researchers. Distinguished professors and dynamic programming contributes to more than student success. With your help, EKU will engage in work that is impactful on our region and the Commonwealth, contributing directly to the vitality of our communities and helping solve problems faced by the people, organizations and industries of Kentucky.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
DR. BURKE CHRISTENSEN ROBERT B. MORGAN, FORMER CHAIR OF INSURANCE
“We all stand on the shoulders of the giants who went before us,” said Dr. Burke Christensen. And for Christensen and EKU’s Risk Management Insurance Program, one of those giants is insurance industry executive Robert B. Morgan, whose endowment enabled Christensen to serve as the Robert B. Morgan Chair of Insurance from 2006 to 2018. Thanks to the gift, the program is able to “build stronger connections throughout the insurance
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industry. It creates more job opportunities, helps recruit new students, brings industry scholars to our campus, and increases recognition,” Christensen said. “Endowed chairs are a critical part of the success achieved by any academic department at any university. When I retired as chief operating officer and general counsel of a Chicago-based insurance company, being named to the Morgan Chair enabled me to fulfill a long-held desire to teach.”
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE + STUDENT SUCCESS
MARIBETH & LOUIS BERMAN
EKU has always been a part of Maribeth McBride Berman’s life. The Richmond native graduated from Model Laboratory School and Eastern, and she once worked for her Alma Mater’s human resources office. Now, future generations of EKU students will forever be joined to that proud legacy, thanks to a $1 million pledge from Maribeth and Louis Berman to support a combination of academic and student-focused initiatives at the University. “Louis and I are excited to be involved with the transformation going on at EKU,” Mrs. Berman said. “There is no greater gift than being able to help provide the gift of education and then to watch the doors that open for a young person.” The Bermans are longtime supporters of EKU — Mrs. Berman is chair of the EKU Foundation Board and Campaign, and Mr. Berman has worked closely with the Risk Management and Insurance program. A portion of their gift will go toward a series of projects and initiatives important to the Louisville couple, to be chosen in collaboration with President Michael Benson and other University leaders. Their commitment will directly support the University annual fund in coming years, with the remainder deferred as an estate gift.
“We believe in the power of a college education, and we believe that education isn’t just in the classroom, but also in public lecture series, student organizations, intramural and varsity sports, and other activities that make up a total college experience. It is our hope that portions of our pledge will go toward programs that will ignite a passion in students — a passion they maybe didn’t know they had.” — Maribeth McBride Berman, Campaign and Foundation Board Chair and $1 million donor
REVITALIZATION
CAMPUS
HELP MAKE THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL EKU is in the midst of a comprehensive revitalization the likes of which haven’t been seen since the 1960s, under President Robert R. Martin. New and renovated athletics facilities, residence halls, classroom buildings and green spaces have drastically changed the landscape. But more work is necessary to meet the instructional and research needs of an engaging, 21st century university. Properly designed spaces are versatile and dynamic, allowing for collaboration, creativity and spontaneity. Classrooms equipped with the newest technologies allow faculty to teach using the very latest digital platforms. Modern residence halls that bridge the gap between dorm and apartment inspire more Colonels to live on campus, which makes them more likely to succeed. Arts and athletic venues give our students the necessary environment to hone their skills while adding to the richness of our community. Through our campaign, we envision a series of strategic projects that will modernize campus and provide important facility upgrades for our key programs. The comprehensive funding for these and additional projects will vary, with private philanthropy playing a significant role in making The Campus Beautiful even more attractive.
CAMPUS REVITALIZATION
DR. GERI POLVINO Under the leadership of Dr. Geri Polvino, EKU women’s volleyball teams won a whopping 627 games from 1966 to 1997. Now the OVC Hall of Fame coach wants to ensure that future Colonels have the same opportunity for success. Polvino committed $100,000 to the University to fund a comprehensive renovation to the women’s volleyball locker room in Alumni Coliseum. In recognition of her generosity, the renovated facility is named in honor of the Polvino family. The new lockers, flooring and other aesthetic improvements, as well as a state-of-the-art video room that enhances the program’s ability to attract high-level student-athletes. “The women who share this space will go on to achieve extraordinary things,” Polvino predicted. Dr. Polvino’s gifts and support of our EKU volleyball program have been the foundation on which our success through 50-plus years has been built,” said Dr. Lori Duncan, who played under Coach Polvino and succeeded her as head coach. “Her generosity has had a tremendous impact on our ability to stay competitive not only on the court but with resources and facilities. She will always exemplify what makes EKU and our volleyball program extraordinary.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE + CAMPUS REVITALIZATION
RON & SHERRIE LOU NOEL
Ron Noel, a first-generation college graduate, traces his motivation to help future generations of students succeed to his very first day at Eastern. No one could have known it at the time, but those 24 hours were just as momentous for EKU as they were for the young student. Ron, ’64, and Sherrie Lou Noel, ’11, whose previous donations made possible the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity and the Noel Reading Porch, recently pledged an additional $1 million to EKU. The majority of their gift established the Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel Research Endowment, a $600,000 fund that will support faculty and student research at the University across a variety of academic areas and disciplines. In addition, $400,000 was used to dramatically expand and renovate the athletics strength and conditioning center, a facility used by all men’s and women’s teams. “The memories of friends and teachers who have influenced both of us will be with us throughout our lives,” Mr. Noel said. “Our Eastern experience was great, and this is our way of giving back to the University that gave us so much.”
CAMPUS REVITALIZATION
TURNER GATE When their daughters were looking at colleges, Craig and Madonna Turner noticed that nearly every campus had a “lovely and welcoming entrance,” many with a sculpture, gate or other defining feature that was popular with students. So the EKU Board of Regents chairman and his wife, both 1975 Eastern grads, set out to ensure that their alma mater would have a gateway that “equaled the beauty of the existing buildings” on the Richmond campus. The result is Turner Gate, made possible by the Turners’ generous donation. This newest campus landmark is more than an eye-pleaser along heavily traveled Lancaster Avenue. It has quickly become exactly what the Turners had envisioned for years: a gathering place for students to celebrate special occasions or events. The words inscribed on either side of the gateway — Wisdom and Knowledge on the front and Purpose and Passion on the back — “epitomize how Eastern can prepare and instill in you to be someone and to be the best,” Mr. Turner said. The archway is also the site of what has become one of EKU’s most meaningful campus traditions — the Big E Welcome Walk, during which each year’s freshman class marches through the gate as a group, symbolizing their entrance into the Eastern family. Benson, who passes Turner Gate every day on his drive to and from work, said he takes “enormous satisfaction that the extended Turner family name is inextricably linked to Eastern for generations to come.”
MAKING THE DREAM WORK Thanks to the support of Colonels like you, EKU has experienced three of the best fundraising years in its history. We’re well on the way to meeting our goal.
$1,405,043 $864,145
2018
TOTAL GIVING: $3,632,508
$753,514
$328,234 $281,572
GIVING BY SOURCE Alumni
Friends Foundations
Corporations Other
Average GIFT BY YEAR 2014
$294
2015
$448
2016
$446
2017
$567
2018
$498 100
200
300
400
500
600
TOTAL GIFT COMMITMENTS 2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
$8.09 M
$8M
$6M
$4M
$2,882,000
$4,694,000
$8,944,000
$9,170,448
$8,099,102
A LETTER FROM THE CAMPAIGN CHAIR CAMPAIGN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Maribeth McBride Berman ’92, Chair Louisville, KY Ron ’64 and Sherrie Lou ’11 Noel Honorary Co-Chairs Union, KY Gary Booth ’62 Cincinnati, OH Paul Chellgren ’05 Crescent Springs, KY
Philanthropy is vital to EKU’s future success. And a bright future will require the leadership of our alumni and donors who, like me, love EKU and want to see it continue to prosper and offer exceptional educational opportunities for our students. This campaign case statement outlines a strategy for EKU to dramatically increase overall fundraising. Philanthropic priorities during the Campaign will focus heavily on the University’s top strategic priorities as outlined in the new strategic plan — Student Success, Academic Excellence, and the Campus Revitalization. I hope that in reviewing this publication you are inspired as much as I am. It is EKU’s time in history to continue
Richard Mattingly, ‘78 Gaithersburg, MD Geri Polvino ’66 Lexington, KY Craig Turner ’75 Lexington, KY
the momentum of the transformative era we find ourselves in and to rise up and excel in all areas of alumni relations, donor engagement and philanthropic support! Many people ask me, “Why are you so involved at EKU, and why do you give so much of your time and resources?” My response is fairly simple… I truly believe in the power of education. I believe in EKU. I am loyal to the institution that gave me a great education, exposed me to cultural events and introduced me to some of the best friends and best memories of my life. Simply put, I am a Colonel through and through! I encourage Colonels everywhere to reflect on their favorite EKU memories, to get more involved in the areas of campus they are most passionate about and to support the programs and initiatives they care about most. I look forward to working closely with the many volunteers and donors who will help assure this campaign’s success!
Maribeth McBride Berman Campaign Chair
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? There are many naming opportunities available, including:
• Faculty Support • Programmatic Support • Scholarships • Academic Buildings • Laboratories
• Classrooms • Statues • Sculptures • Benches
Contact Us: EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
OFFICE of DEVELOPMENT and ALUMNI RELATIONS development.eku.edu giving@eku.edu (859) 622 - 3116
LEGACY
• Residence Halls
LEAVE YOUR
• Student Support
Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Eastern Kentucky University, Jones Building 416, Richmond, Kentucky 40475, (859) 622-8020, or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. 20202, 1-800-421-3481 (V), 1-800-877-8339 (TTY). 2018_CapitalCampaign_Booklet_MT05