LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Dear Friends of Cameron University:

I am incredibly fortunate to have been a member of the Cameron community for over thirty years – as a student, alumnus, and supporter. Yet, I have never been more proud of that association than during my term as Chair of the Cameron University Foundation and the work the Board has been able to accomplish. Like Charles Dickens said, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Your support and commitment to the university and its mission has accomplished just that.

Cameron University had a phenomenal fundraising year, raising $1.9 million in private gifts and grants. Private support plays a critical role in ensuring all students have the opportunity to access the gift of opportunity through a college education. Like you, we believe that opening the door to higher education changes the lives of our students which positively impacts families and entire communities.

We continue to offer emergency funds to students suffering financial hardships. In addition to those students who may be facing financial challenges, the Cameron University Alumni Association was able to reopen their Campus Closet after a lengthy hiatus as a result of Covid-19. The CU Foundation aims to remove any potential barriers that may prevent a student from achieving their goals.

Several new endowments were established to provide students with scholarship assistance such as the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Endowed Scholarship for Pre-Dentistry, the Lawton Pioneer Women Endowed Scholarship in Pre-Nursing as well as others that will support STEM, Social Sciences, and Psychology.

After a long and successful partnership with our funds manager of almost ten years, Tom Johnson Investment Management, Inc., the Board made the conscientious decision to transition to a new funds manager, Arvest Wealth Management. We welcome the Arvest team and look forward to future years of progress towards responsible investing practices and long-term success.

As this concludes my term as Chair, I want to share that I am inspired by your support and look forward to the continued growth and success of Cameron University’s alumni, friends, faculty, and students. It has been a pleasure to serve you in this capacity.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Clemmer, ‘89 Chair Cameron University Foundation