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THINK GENEROSITY. UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION — YEAR IN REVIEW
THINK GENEROSITY
Your generosity continues to provide UWF with the resources necessary to provide each student a pathway to success and equip us with the momentum to bring our vision for the future to life.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
YEAR IN REVIEW
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MESSAG E fro m t he
president The 2010-11 year was one of the most exciting in UWF’s history. We reached our goal of 12,000 students this fall, a year earlier than expected. Not only did our enrollment increase, but so did the incoming GPA of our students. We have the largest freshman class ever with 1,466 students, a 17
Our students volunteered 33,792 hours in the community. Our researchers conducted $19.1 million in regional and statewide research. Our new Office of Economic Development and Engagement is managing the Economic Recovery funds provided by BP to aid recovery in the eight most impacted counties in
percent increase over last fall. The diversity of our incoming
Florida. There is no doubt that UWF is on the move.
freshmen increased by 9 percent, from 25 percent to 34 percent,
Yet, the most humbling accomplishment for UWF is our friends.
and we have more students living on campus than any time
This year, we celebrated the completion of the Creating Great
in our history. We are nearing 67,000 UWF alumni, and 2,654 students graduated this year with high quality degrees to
Futures comprehensive capital campaign. We surpassed our goal of $35 million because of your generosity—funding support that will
enter our workforce.
impact the lives of future Argonauts for many years to come. This
Our business, journalism and forensics students brought home
campaign provided some awe-inspiring statistics:
top honors from national, state and regional competitions. We
• 147,777 contributors gave to the campaign
announced plans to enhance student life and the collegiate
• 11,143 donors contributed to UWF for the first time
atmosphere of our campus, including the exploration of adding football. Our baseball team brought home UWF’s sixth national championship, winning the NCAA Division II World Series this spring. Our national and regional rankings continue, as UWF has been named: • A Best Buy College in Forbes magazine, our first ever ranking in Forbes annual listings
• 54 benefactors gave more than $100,000 • 6 donors gave more than $1 million This generosity enabled UWF to create 46 new endowments to help shape the future of Northwest Florida. I sincerely thank you for all that you do for UWF. You humble me. Sincerely,
• A Top Southeastern College by The Princeton Review • A Military Friendly Institution by both GI Jobs magazine and Military Advanced Education magazine • One of the 2011 Best Colleges to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education • One of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges for the first time ever
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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
Judith A. Bense, Ph.D. President
MESSAGE fro m the
UWF Foundation & University Advancement As President of the UWF Foundation Board of Directors and Vice President of University Advancement, we are honored to have the opportunity to express our thanks to the many university friends, alumni, faculty and staff who supported UWF during 2010-2011. This year marked the conclusion of the Creating Great Futures
fundraising campaign. Despite what can only be described as difficult economic times, the campaign surpassed the $35 million goal, nearly reaching $40 million. Regardless of how
you choose to measure it—dollars raised, student scholarships
of programs, expansion of facilities, partnerships and collaborations with industry and technology have jointly placed UWF at the forefront of education, economic and workforce development. The Foundation, alumni and friends must continue to focus on raising funds to provide these opportunities to first generation and need-based students. It will be programs such as Science and Engineering, Health Sciences and Business that will especially need our support in order to accomplish this task. As state funding becomes more uncertain, it will be your gifts that fill the gaps and allow us to continue to grant these opportunities to our talented and diverse students not only for the next year, but for generations to come. No matter the size of your gift—you will make a difference! Thank you for your undying belief in the importance of the University of West Florida and your time and dedication to this amazing journey. You indeed have created great futures! Best wishes, Patricia A. Denkler
created or learning made possible—Creating Great Futures was a
President, UWF Foundation Board of Directors
As we look to our 50th anniversary in 2017, UWF is poised for
Vice President, University Advancement
remarkably successful effort.
great accomplishments. Continued growth, expansion
Dr. Kyle Marrero
YEAR IN REVIEW
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INNOVATIVE Thinking This fiscal year, UWF’s School of Science and Engineering received its most generous gift commitment to date totaling $500,000. This historical
The NDIA Shows Continued Support:
endowment will foster discovery and innovation through funds
of West Florida through multiple endowments since the time of
that are designated specifically to undergraduate students for
their initial investment in UWF in 2004. The NDIA is America’s
The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Gulf Coast Chapter, has shown continued support for the University
travel, innovation and research.
leading Defense Industry association promoting national
These types of scholarship funds will attract and maintain top
security and provides a legal and ethical forum for the exchange
students, reward upper-level students for academic excellence
of information between industry and government on national
and provide more opportunities for project-based learning. The
security issues.
designated travel funds portion of this endowment will encourage
This year the College of Professional Studies (COPS) is the most
and promote student participation in collaborative learning
recent beneficiary of one of these generous gifts. The NDIA has
opportunities extending to conferences, competitions and
pledged a $100,000 scholarship endowment to benefit middle and
interdisciplinary projects. The spirit of the innovation funds is to
high school pre-service student teachers whose focus is on science,
foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurial growth, while
technology, engineering and math (STEM).
the research funds component of this endowment will provide
The NDIA previously designated two endowments both totaling
for undergraduate students to become involved in faculty-mentor research projects. Although the donors have selected to remain anonymous, they
at $100,000. The first of these endowments was matched by the state of Florida with an additional $50,000 and allows students in the greater Eglin Air Force Base community to attend UWF
indicate their commitment was a result of firsthand experiences
pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical
with UWF students. These interactions include student
field. The amount awarded to date for this particular gift totals at
participation in internships offered by the donor’s manufacturing
$13,400 and will continue to gradually be distributed to students.
company, along with collaborative research projects. Upon
A second endowment of this type was also pledged and will be
graduation, many of these same students will remain with the
awarded as it becomes available.
company to serve as full-time employees. These donors have a
The Foundation, COPS and entire campus community appreciate
passion for higher education and being able to provide these invaluable experiences to youth through giving. “We are truly appreciative of the opportunity this endowment will give to those students who are eager to pursue entrepreneurial and innovative careers based on getting a project across the finish line,” commented Leo ter Haar, Director of School of Science and Engineering.
the NDIA’s generous support as it allows UWF to further support both current and future students and foster an even greater commitment to innovation. To learn more about ways to impact the College of Professional Studies and School of Science and Engineering through charitable giving, please contact Gretchen VanValkenburg at gvalkenb@uwf.edu.
Learn more about the UWF School of Science and Engineering at uwf.edu/sse. 3
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
“Endowments like this enable our effort
in project-based discovery and collaborative learning to become a sustainable hallmark of the SSE.” — Leo ter Haar, Director of the School of Science & Engineering
YEAR IN REVIEW
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The Argonaut baseball team celebrates
after a 7-4 win against Barry University on May 23; the win would send the Argonauts to their first ever NCAA Division II National Championship Series in Cary, North Carolina, ultimately leading to history!
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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
Thinking LONG-TERM TH E FUTU RE OF ATH L ETI CS
In working diligently to fulfill its vision for the future of athletics, the University of West Florida athletic program
2.) Provide regular and straight forward feedback on the
is forming an ad hoc advisory group known as the “Sword and
3.) Assist with the identification of volunteer leaders for the
Shield Society.” Comprised of major donors who have committed a current or deferred gift of $100,000 or more, this group of select individuals share a unified vision and will help guide, advise and assist university and athletic leadership, while advancing their development efforts to meet the growing needs of the athletic program. Members will have access to university and athletics administration as they provide support and advocacy for the university’s athletic vision. The “Sword and Shield Society” will meet periodically to provide advice, advocacy and assistance. They will: 1.) Be privy to athletic visioning, master plans and implementation of athletic initiatives
proposed activities and plans of the athletic program program who can participate in strategies including: • Assisting with development/fundraising strategies • Identifying potential donors • Introducing university and athletic leadership to prospects • Hosting cultivation or stewardship events • Gaining additional financial support • Providing advice regarding public/private partnerships • Advising on communication strategies For more information on the “Sword and Shield Society” please contact Brett Berg at bberg@uwf.edu. Members of this elite group will play an instrumental role in bringing the athletic vision to life.
Proposed Renderings
University Park
East Sports Complex Pavilion
East Sports Complex
YEAR IN REVIEW
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Thinking BEAUTY One of UWF’s most acclaimed features is its beautiful main campus, resting atop 1,600 acres of rolling hills and natural beauty for you to explore, enjoy and call home.
CHARITABLE Thinking G I VI NG BACK
Throughout the past year, the campus community has once again given back to the university, establishing endowed scholarships that will further pave the way for both research and collaborative learning opportunities and allow for enhancement of academic programs.
Employees Set a New Record: While employee generosity is something that has become quite familiar to the university, the campus community has now set new records. This year 50 percent of UWF faculty and staff gave back to the university through participation in the Faculty & Staff Campaign. This participation rate is the highest in the university’s recorded history. Gifts totaling $148,000 received from more than 570 employees will go directly to providing greater opportunities to our students making individual dreams become reality. “It feels pretty good to be the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I’m living proof that families and generations can change just by setting an example,” shared first-generation, recent graduate Mary Jones, ’11 Criminal Justice.
Alumni Generosity:
Within the Department of Social Work, the name Elizabeth R. Woolf, ’87 Social Work, is synonymous with both the profession and philanthropy. Always interested in education and immersed in the social work profession, this year Woolf gifted a second endowment. “The endowment is for the benefit of both students and the department. By helping strengthen both the academic department and the student experience, everyone benefits. I am happy to be able to support a department that is now offering a Masters in Social Work so that students will no longer have to travel out of town like I did for their advanced degrees.” Last November, UWF lost a family member, student, friend and true philanthropist when the “man behind the camera,” Ronald N. Besser, USN (Ret.), ’92 Interdisciplinary Humanities & ’01 Communication Arts, died unexpectedly. During the last week of his life, Ron and his wife Valmae endowed a scholarship for theatre majors who are specializing in Design/Technical Theatre. After years of giving, this monumental gift will serve as yet another of Ronald’s legacies at UWF and allow students to directly benefit from the Besser’s spirit of giving. Valmae will continue this legacy by establishing future endowments in her estate plan.
Fully endowed this year by Ray Harry, ’75 Political Science & ’76
Thanks to the generosity of charter class alumna Joan Seifert, ’69
MPA, the McHenry and Eva Lois Harry Memorial Scholarship
History, more undergraduate students within the School of Allied
Endowment is a need-based scholarship benefiting upper division
Health and Life Sciences (SAHLS) will be able to participate in
students from Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties
research. Seifert, who established the endowment in memory
majoring in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer
of her father and in honor of her mother said, “I know students at UWF are capable of great things and I wanted to give them
“The generosity of these alumni will forever have an impact on UWF’s current and future students,” said Martha Lee Blodgett, Director of Development.
the opportunities they need to make a difference in not only the region, but also in the world.” SAHLS Director Dr. George Stewart explained, “Engagement of undergraduates in research is a critical component in our school. This new endowment will allow for a greater number of students to engage in research; it will provide
Engineering. Harry has been both a longstanding employee of Gulf
more students with a complete experience in research and it will
Power and Southern Company Services as well as a longstanding
help us introduce more students to the excitement of discovery.”
loyal supporter of UWF, giving of his resources along with having served on the UWF Foundation Board of Directors. “My parents loved Northwest Florida—the people, the natural environment and the opportunities. I grew up inheriting the love and spirit of the panhandle and want to help young people receive the education that will provide them the tools and experience to be able to stay in the region, raise a family and work to keep it the great place that my parents loved,” Harry shared.
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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
For more information on these campus community endowments or other endowments, contact Martha Lee Blodgett, Director of Development, 850-474-2712.
“Generous scholarships from donors like you have allowed my accomplishments to come to fruition.” — Davia Grant, Political Science/Pre-Law Major, Spring ’11
YEAR IN REVIEW
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11 UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
Thinking IMPACT As early as 1965, alumni and friends began providing private gifts to the UWF Foundation. At the time, the annual fund goal was $50,000 and was geared towards building the endowment that would support the university’s long-term academic vision and strategic priorities. Most importantly, donors helped
under the leadership of the Division of University Advancement. The Division’s purpose is to stimulate voluntary private support from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations and others for the benefit of the University of West Florida. Thanks to the generosity of more than 17,000 donors, the campaign successfully
provide opportunities for students through scholarship awards and
concluded December 31, 2010.
establish a margin of institutional excellence that was not achievable
The campaign reached the $35 million goal in November 2009—a
with state funds. Over the years, the financial goals have increased
full 13 months ahead of schedule. As of December 31, 2010, gifts to
with annual fundraising exceeding $3 million. While the numbers
the Creating Great Futures campaign totaled $39.3 million, including
have changed, the need for private support has remained the same.
$18.7 million in private gifts, $1.2 million in pledges, $3 million in in-
Charitable giving continues to support the same ideals that our
kind gifts, $8.4 million in deferred gifts and $8 million in anticipated
founders established nearly 45 years ago.
state matching funds. Contributions came from
The Creating Great Futures campaign, a six-year, $35 million
17,329 donors, including 7,705 alumni, 8,472 friends, 43 foundations
comprehensive fundraising effort to provide essential resources for
and 1,109 corporations and businesses.
UWF’s students, faculty, programs and facilities, began in July 2004
OVERALL IMPACT CREATING GREAT FUTURES CAMPAIGN
11,143 people who contributed to UWF for the first time
46
new endowment funds created during the campaign
6 $1 million
gift commitments of
54 $100,000
or greater
gift commitments of or greater
$8 MILLION in anticipated state matching funds
$6.8 $1.6 million MILLION
in scholarships awarded including
to first generation students
YEAR IN REVIEW
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The UWF Foundation was organized and incorporated in 1965 for the purpose of stimulating voluntary private support from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations and others for the benefit of the University of West Florida.
UWF FO UNDATI ON
FINANCIAL Information The UWF Foundation exists to encourage, manage and administer private resources to support the mission and priorities of the University of West Florida, as established by the Board of Trustees and the president of the University of West Florida. The Foundation is dedicated to assisting the university through building the endowment, currently valued at $52.8 million. Through private financial support, Foundation resources support long-term academic and other priorities of the university, provide opportunities for students and afford a margin of institutional excellence unavailable with state funds.
Investment Philosophy — Asset Allocation and Style Diversification Research suggests that the decision to allocate total assets among various asset classes will far outweigh security selection and other decisions that impact portfolio performance. The Investment Committee recognizes the strategic importance of asset allocation and style diversification in the investment performance of the assets over long periods of time. Domestic and international equities, both large and small capitalization, fixed income, cash equivalent securities, real estate, private equity, and fund of funds hedge funds in the form of diversified fund of funds have been determined to be acceptable vehicles for these assets. Additional asset classes and style strategies may be incorporated into the investment philosophy in the future.
Investment Objective
The objectives of the assets are the enhancement of capital and real purchasing power while limiting exposure to risk of loss. Real purchasing power or real rate of return will be defined as returns in excess of inflation as defined by Consumer Price Index. At a minimum, long-term rates of return should be equal to an amount sufficient to maintain the purchasing power of these assets and provide necessary capital to fund the Foundation’s spending policy. As such, the desired minimum rate of return is equal to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 400 basis points (4%) for spending, plus an additional 200 basis point (2%) on an annualized basis. Bottom line, the overall minimum rate of return is equal to CPI plus 600 basis points (6%). In light of this return requirement, the portfolio should be constructed using a total return approach with a significant portion of the funds invested to seek growth of principal over time. The assets are to be invested for the long term, and a higher short-term volatility in these assets is to be expected and accepted.
Spending Policy
The Foundation takes seriously its responsibility to provide prudent fiduciary management, oversight of the endowments and intergenerational equity. To this end, the Foundation utilizes a one-year waiting period before awarding spending and a step-down spending allocation method should an endowment fall underwater. Through utilization of a well diversified investment portfolio strategy, prudent spending allocation policy, and the best good faith effort of its board members, the Foundation attempts to continue to provide spending to support the scholarships, programs, and faculty as designated by the donor while preserving over time the donor’s gifts to the endowment corpus. Further details on the investment policy are available at the Foundation’s web site uwf.edu/foundation.
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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION NET ASSETS
Professorships 1,286,093
Scholarship Spending & Student Loans 1,865,242
$74,844,834 Unrestricted
Courtelis 655,782
3,169,656
Endowments 52,864,409
Housing 7,091,443
ENDOWMENTS
$52,864,409
Program Discretionary Funds 7,912,208
Program Support 16,950,473
Scholarships & Student Awards
Professorships 1,286,093
21,219,993 Scholarship Spending & Student Loans 1,865,242
Courtelis 655,782
Professorships 14,693,943
INVESTMENT RETURNS:
Investment Portfolio Annual ROI 30%
S&P
Citi T-Bill 1 Mo
CPI Plus Spending and Budget
Program Support 16,950,473
Scholarships & Student Awards
20%
Rate of Return
21,219,993
10% 0%
-10%
Professorships 14,693,943
-20% -30% FY 2003
FY 2004
FY 2005
FY 2006
FY 2007
FY 2008
FY 2009
FY 2010
FY 2011
YEAR IN REVIEW
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FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIR ECTO R S Michelle Anchors Laverne Y. Baker Judith A. Bense David E. Cleveland Patricia A. Denkler, ’76, President Doug Dobson Jim Donatelli Richard M. Fountain, ’70 Alan Gieseman Tim M. Haag, ’85 Caroline A. Hartnett, ’93 Brian D. Haugen, ’88
DONOR Bill of Rights: Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights: 1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes. 2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
John Hutchinson
3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
C. Ray Jones, ’78, Vice President
4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they
Dennis K. Larry
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
John C. McGee
6. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with
Minnie “Cora” Merritt, SGA Rep Richard Peterson, ’95 Stephen C. Riggs, III, CPA, ’76 Judy Byrne Riley Debbie Ritchie The Honorable Casey Rodgers, ’89, Secretary Richard D. Sanfilippo, ’73
were given.
respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law. 7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature. 8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors. 9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. 10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
Brett A. Shaw, ’84, Treasurer Gordon Sprague Patricia J. Wentz, Faculty Senate Rep E. Wayne Williams Jr., ’77 Brian P. Wyer, ’91
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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA FOUNDATION
The text of the above statement in its entirety was developed by the American Association of
Fund-Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and adopted in November 1993.
THINK GENEROSITY
Think about how you can change a life! Gifts to scholarships and programs are an investment in the dreams of students and in the future of the communities in which these students will live and work. At least one in thirteen UWF students lives near or below the poverty level. Your gift can provide students of all backgrounds access to higher education. The best part is that there are nearly 300 funds at UWF that you can support. Visit uwf.edu/give to further explore the various colleges, departments, programs, scholarships and athletic teams that appreciate these gifts.
Ways to Give Give online at uwf.edu/give Give via credit card by dialing 850.474.3118 or 800.226.1893 Mail your check to: UWF Foundation 11000 University Blvd. Bldg. 12 Pensacola, FL 32514
YEAR IN REVIEW
FSC Mix / FSC Content 90%, Green-e certified, Recycled 10%—Paper that supports the use of well-managed forests.
UWF Foundation Inc. 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 850.474.2986 uwf.edu/foundation