The O.A.K.S. Campaign

The O.A.K.S. Campaign O P P O R T U N I T Y

For

A N D

K N O W L E D G E

S T R E N G T H E N E D

Opportunity And Knowledge Strengthened The O.A.K.S. Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising initiative for the future of Waynesburg University, is a special opportunity for our supporters to reinforce the University’s roots and to help prepare our students for lives of purpose. By giving generously to this campaign, both opportunity and knowledge at Waynesburg University will be strengthened.

From the President

In 1929, on the eightieth anniversary of the founding of Waynesburg University, Paul R. “Prexy” Stewart planted an oak in front of Hanna Hall to commemorate eight decades of our University providing opportunity and knowledge to generations of servant leaders. That tree remains today, standing in silent testimony to the strength of our mission.

Beautiful reminders of our heritage, oaks symbolize God’s purpose at work on this campus over the ages.

Consider that beams of oak form the interior frame of Hanna and Miller halls. Magnificent buildings, designed as places of knowledge and faith for the glory of God. When campus master planner Carl Johnson and then President Timothy Thyreen planned the campus we now have, they purposefully directed that oak trees be planted around Johnson Commons. These Waynesburg oaks stand sentinel as we strive to inspire and challenge every student to a life of purpose while facing unprecedented scrutiny.

As society questions the value of higher education and seeks to measure its outcomes, Waynesburg University has emerged as a national leader in educational value.

Pairing this unparalleled value with our tradition of intertwining academics, faith and service, Waynesburg University has a profound impact on the lives of our students.

We are making a difference.

The Opportunity And Knowledge Strengthened (O.A.K.S.) Campaign is a comprehensive effort to support the long-term stability of this fine institution so that it may withstand today’s challenges as well as those yet to come. With your help, we will strengthen the roots of our University and secure our future.

Thank you for the kind and generous support you give to Waynesburg University.

Douglas G. Lee President

Our

Position A changing world presents Christian higher education with more challenges every day.

Waynesburg University rises not only to meet

these challenges, but also to welcome the resulting opportunities. The talents and character of our

graduates help fill one of society’s most vital needs –

the need for individuals of integrity to lead and serve.

As attention on higher education is turning toward outcomes and fiscal responsibility, new ranking systems that focus primarily on value and job

placement are being developed. Consistently ranked a top school within these systems, Waynesburg

University has built a reputation on value. National rankings consistently indicate that our graduates possess the résumés necessary to secure their

desired jobs and the knowledge necessary to lead fiscally sound lives.

The O.A.K.S. Campaign will ensure that a Waynesburg University education remains accessible for generations to come.

“The generous financial aid offered at Waynesburg has given me the

opportunity to receive a first-rate education with little financial

hardship. Going forward, this will mean that I can go into the world without financial hardship, well

prepared to make a difference in my community.”

– Tyler McCoy, history major and political science minor

“In 1929, the eightieth anniversary of the founding of the institution, [Paul R. Stewart] set an oak near the corner directly in front of Hanna Hall. He ‘felt that this tree was appropriate to represent the college, because it [was] a symbol of long life and endurance.’

Thus the oak became the college tree.

Oak leaf impressions in walks on the campus and in bronze tablets here and there in buildings also symboliz[ed] strength and longevity. Stewart established the oak tree tradition and expressed his ‘hopes that it will continue long after he is gone.’”

-from “The Waynesburg College Story” by William H. Dusenberry

Goals of the

O.A.K.S. Campaign

Stemming from the concept of “Opportunity And Knowledge Strengthened,” the three main branches of the O.A.K.S. Campaign focus on increasing affordability, enhancing academic programs and securing the future of the institution in a changing world.

A strong future depends upon the strength of our supporters.

Collectively, we can create a legacy through Waynesburg University.

Currently, the University manages over 92 endowed funds – we want to double that number to help the University grow during a critical time in our history.

Non-endowed and unrestricted gifts are of equal importance for

the University to remain competitive in offering a quality Christian

higher education experience. Any major gift, regardless of how it is used, will be credited to the campaign.

We are asking our alumni and friends to make a significant contribution during the campaign to strengthen and advance Waynesburg

University. Our goal focuses on opportunities, and we are asking our donors to use this opportunity to leave a legacy at Waynesburg.

“We are very grateful for the many opportunities presented to us while we were in college and now, we wish to make those same opportunities available to others. Hopefully, our scholarship will give education students in need of financial aid an opportunity to continue their education at Waynesburg University as they pursue their dreams of becoming teachers!”

– Mrs. Yvonne Vance Chichin (& Dr. Chester “Chet” Chichin), endowed scholarship for education majors

P riorities

of the

O.A.K.S. Campaign

The O.A.K.S. Campaign is designed to meet the short and long-term needs of the University.

OPPORTUNITY These priorities will increase affordability and create opportunity for financially needy students. For example: • Named scholarship funds

• Support for student service projects • Student opportunity funds • Student travel funds KNOWLEDGE The following items are high priorities for the University, as they will enable our faculty and campus resources to continue to provide a quality education to each student.

• Named chair or professorships • Endowed lectureships • Research equipment • Technology

• Support of academic departments STRENGTHENED Gifts to the endowment sustain and secure our future.

• Facility enhancements • New facilities

• Support for athletic programs For more information, contact 724-852-3256.

“The financial support from alumni and friends represents the pathway on which we walk together to help insure a vibrant future of the University. This investment protects the University’s rich history and legacy of helping students to thrive academically and become outstanding leaders that stand on their faith to transform their communities and the world. The University distinguishes itself by valuing every donor and acting responsibly as stewards of their gifts and contributions.”

– Mrs. Marilyn House West, member of the board of trustees

Consider a gift

Every gift counts toward strengthening the financial future of Waynesburg University. We are now asking those who are ready to invest in our University to make a personally significant financial commitment that will have both an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of our students. There are many ways to contribute to the O.A.K.S. Campaign. All major and planned gifts will be recognized and commemorated during the O.A.K.S. Campaign.

MAJOR GIFTS

NON-ENDOWED GIFTS

Operational and annual support is critical to the University, but legacy gifts, or major gifts, are contributions that are typically the most significant (and often largest) financial contributions that an individual, foundation, or corporation will choose to make. At Waynesburg, the University considers a major gift one that would be large enough to create an endowment, or $20,000, which can be pledged over a 4-year period.

Non-endowed funds have no permanent principal balance and are immediately available to distribute to support students or programs at the University. They are in essence a short-term opportunity for support, and are often the best way to impact the life of a student or help the University build a program or curriculum. While these gifts are spent to zero and not invested, non-endowed gifts help drive the University’s mission at a critical time for higher education.

BEQUESTS OR PLANNED GIFTS Giving through one’s will, or making a bequest, is a creative way to maximize a personal contribution and one of the most significant ways donors can support Waynesburg. A bequest, though not realized during one’s lifetime, is an excellent way to leave a legacy at Waynesburg. Through a provision in your written and executed will, you can make a gift in the form of cash, securities, real estate or personal property and leave a permanent mark on the University.

ENDOWMENTS Endowments are storytellers. Attaching your family name and legacy to your gift allows your Waynesburg story to be shared with future generations of students. Endowments are invested through the University and provide a student, program or fund with an annual contribution in perpetuity. Rather than needing to be replenished each year, once established, the endowment will forever benefit the University.

INCOME-PRODUCING GIFTS “Gifts That Pay You Income” help you make a substantial gift to the University while increasing your income stream. These gifts (typically charitable annuities) provide an additional source of lifetime income for you, your spouse or other significant persons; a potential increase in the income you are currently receiving from your investments; an immediate tax deduction for a portion of your gift; and no capital gains tax due at the transfer of appreciated assets to your gift plan.

IN-KIND GIFTS Gifts in kind can be a unique way to support Waynesburg when one is unable to support the University through conventional financial giving; these types of gifts include donations of property other than cash and marketable securities such as works of art, books, equipment, furnishings, automobiles, software and licensing.

For more information, contact 724-852-3256.

“The O.A.K.S. Campaign is a great opportunity for faculty, staff and alumni to help Waynesburg University to further its mission through student scholarships and service learning opportunities. Specifically, these scholarships have assisted students who have traveled with me to Salinas, Puerto Rico, to do God’s work at Camp Caribe.”

– Dr. James Bush, professor of mathematics

Waynesburg University educates students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. As a Christian comprehensive University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.