Growing through
Giving
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A Message from Michelle Cook reetings! Welcome to another edition of Pathways, a Gpublication of the Division of University Advancement at Winston-Salem State University. In each issue of Pathways, we celebrate our donors—the individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations whose gifts make it possible for WSSU to support our students in ways and at a level that would not be possible with just the funding we receive from the state. In an era of significant cuts to that state funding, it is truly uplifting to see many of you responding positively to our five-year strategic plan that is designed to move this university forward in exciting ways. This year marks a special milestone in our history. In September, we will mark the 120th anniversary of our founding. The story of that formation is described in this issue of Archway, and our rich legacy of philanthropy is described in this issue of Pathways. Together, they inspire deep pride in the values that have guided our development and allowed us to touch so many lives. Philanthropy started us and has sustained us over the years. One of the earliest contributions was from a northern industrialist, John Fox Slater, who established a foundation in 1882 for the purpose of “the uplifting of the lately emancipated population of the Southern States, and their posterity....” Slater Fund supported teacher training and industrial arts, and the Slater Industrial Academy (a predecessor of WSSU) was named in his honor. You’ll see other familiar names—familiar because they are etched on landmark buildings across our campus. Among them: William A. Blair, A.H. Eller, and Richard Joshua Reynolds. These and other community leaders from the late 1800s did more than contribute financially. They served as advocates, friends and, in many cases, board members. Equally important is the legacy of support from individuals and families with limited resources who believed strongly in the mission of this school and its far-reaching
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impact on students. The minutes of an 1891 Chamber of Commerce meeting reveal that our founder, Simon Green Atkins, who was seeking support for a new industrial school for people of color, reported that “...the colored people had raised $2,000 and could raise $500 more if necessary.” While Slater Industrial Academy began as a private school, the state of North Carolina also demonstrated its early support with a special $1,000 allocation in 1895. From our founding until now, it has been this combination of individual giving, state support, and corporate and foundation dollars that has sustained Winston-Salem State, and it is going to take support from each of these sectors to keep us strong and relevant into the future. When future generations gather to plan for milestone anniversary celebrations, will they be sharing the stories of your generous support of WSSU? Will they chronicle the scholarship fund you established, or the extraordinary support you provided for athletics or the choir and band? Will they talk about the endowed professorship you and your family established? Together, we can ensure that the answer is a resounding “yes.” As we honor our school’s rich history, new chapters are already being written. With your help, they will be the finest yet.
Michelle M. Cook Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of the WSSU Foundation
Spring 2012
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It’s one thing to have a dream. It’s quite another to persuade people that your dream is worthy of
financial support.
Yet that’s exactly what Simon Green Atkins did, as he worked in the late 1800s to provide quality education for newly freed African Americans. So powerful was his case for giving that response came from influential white businessmen and community leaders as well as members of his own race. So impressive was his success in carrying out his plan that financial support soon extended from the towns of Winston and Salem to major cities in the Northeast. Today, as we celebrate our 120th anniversary, WinstonSalem State University continues that unwavering commitment to quality education through changing times. The success of our school—and our students—continues to be sustained by the gifts of many.
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philanthropy John Slater
James S. Hill
William A. Blair
Without private support, the institution that is now Winston-Salem State University could never have been formed. Because of it, doors have opened, gaps have been closed and hurdles overcome, communities have been strengthened and lives transformed.
R. J. Reynolds
A. H. Eller
As we look to the future with its broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities, we pause to share highlights of WSSU’s rich legacy of private support and individual donors. This legacy, so evident in the early years, has expanded through succeeding decades. Thanks to an ever-growing base of alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends, word continues to spread about WSSU and its commitment to equip students for success through changing times and challenging times. Today, financial support comes from many individuals, families, foundations and businesses. In an era of continued reduction in state funding, this support is crucial. As you consider your own heritage of support to WSSU, be assured that every gift counts, regardless of size. Each touches lives and transforms futures. With your continued—and growing—support, exciting new chapters will be written in the story of this school.
Contributions recorded in an early ledger.
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1892-2012 started us...and sustains us
Slater Industrial Academy opened in September 1893 with one teacher and 25 students. Its mission: to train young African Americans to be teachers. The school was named for John Slater, a wealthy New England philanthropist and founding contributor. Established as a private school, there was no state funding. It was totally dependent on support from individuals, businesses and foundations. Early supporters in Winston and Salem included business and community leaders who served on the school’s Board of Trustees and supported it financially. Among them: William A. Blair, Henry E. Fries, Judge H.R. Starbuck and A.H. Eller. Among those who helped the campus expand by donating or providing land at low cost were Dr. J.F. Shaffner and R.J. Reynolds. It was important to build awareness and obtain financial support among influential individuals in other locations. The school selected James S. Hill, an experienced educator and member of the Board of Trustees, who traveled—at his own expense—throughout the Northeast to enlist financial support for the school. As word spread, the young school gained important advocates, including Colonel Alexander McClure, editor of the Philadelphia Times, who wrote: “In no place in the South have we seen such thorough and practical education of colored people in that which they most need. They are not only educated in the school, but they are trained in every mechanical industry, and with a degree of method and skill in teaching that inspires the highest measure of pride in the people.”
Simon Green Atkins and his school also captured the attention and respect of J.L.M. Curry, ex-minister to Spain and an agent of the Peabody and Slater Funds for education, who said, “I regard President Atkins of the Slater Industrial and State Normal School at WinstonSalem, North Carolina, as one of the most worthy and capable men connected with the education of the Negroes in the South. His intelligence, courtesy, good deportment, high character, and efficiency as head of a school, have won the confidence and good will of the people among whom he lives, and of all who best know his work and worth.” In 1895, the school was granted a state charter. The N.C. General Assembly voted a special allocation of $1,000, to be matched by money raised by the academy from other sources. That special allocation continued, reflecting the state’s recognition of the important results being achieved by the school. By 1899, the state appropriation was increased to $1,800, along with the additional $1,000 in matching funds. A key donor, The Peabody Fund, increased its apportionment from $400 to $600 that year, allowing creation of the Peabody Summer School of Methods. Among those traveling broadly to solicit support for the school in those early days were John W. Woody, a wellknown educator, and his wife Mary C. Woody, a minister in the Friends church, who focused on raising funds for Slater’s Nurse Training Department. Every gift was celebrated, including a $26 individual donation listed in Mrs. Woody’s diary in 1900.
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Helping to expand global learning
WSSU’s Founding Family Continues to Support Student Success Eliza Atkins Gleason, daughter of S. G. Atkins, died successfully in the global marketplace. It is a family in 2009 at the age of 100. Her obituary was lengthy, and focus—her daughter, Dr. Joy Gleason Carew, teaches it was impressive. For example, she was the first African Pan-African Studies American in the nation and directs the study to earn a doctorate abroad program at ns, sive generatio s e c c u s h g in library science the University of Throu has y il m a f ’ s in k At and the first to Louisville. Simon Green ent to m it m m o c g n serve as a dean of Prior to Dr. stro ontinued his r c o f d n a s e lv a library school. In Gleason’s death, the or themse e h education—f t , le p 1941, she authored family established m er, for exa id s n o C . s r e oth ble to a definitive book a program to allow s now availa ie it n u t r o p p tracing the history more WSSU ks to global o aculty, than f d n a s t n e d of library service to students and y. WSSU stu nd her famil a r e t h g u a d African Americans. faculty to take t f. o his younges t r a p e b n The American Library advantage of ou ca an initiative y ’s t I Association Library study abroad History Round Table opportunities. The Atkins, Gleason, Carew Fund presents an award every three years named for her. for International Education at Winston-Salem State Dr. Gleason was also a strong advocate for African University began with the family’s initial endowment American students learning foreign languages and of $500,000, one of the largest private donations in the experiencing foreign cultures in order to compete history of WSSU.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, WSSU students have studied in China, Russia, Spain, France, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Korea and Japan. In addition, members of our faculty have conducted research in Benin, Brazil, China and India.
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Spring 2012
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arew n and Dr. C o s a le G . r D
Ways to Give Show your support for WSSU in any number of ways, depending on your priorities:
“Because of the Atkins family’s generous support, more WSSU students and faculty have been able to take advantage of study abroad opportunities,” said Michelle Cook, WSSU’s vice chancellor for University Advancement. “In fact, more than 30 of our students have studied in China, Russia, Spain, France, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Korea and Japan. In addition, members of our faculty have conducted research in Benin, Brazil, China and India. “Many of our alumni, faculty and friends are also directing their gifts to support international programs,” she pointed out. “These high-impact opportunities directly support WSSU’s strategic commitment to prepare our students to compete in a global economy. Gifts of all sizes will position us to help even more students and faculty in years to come.” For additional information, please contact University
Gifts to the Annual Fund support student scholarships, extracurricular activities, and other program expenses. Build the endowment for future generations through gifts of bequests, trusts, annuities and other Planned Gifts.
Gifts in Honor or Memory of someone special can be made to support any area of WSSU.
Reunion Gifts celebrate your Ram Family connection while enhancing your university. Optimize your giving by encouraging your employer to participate in our Matching Gifts program. Gifts to WSSU are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law.*
Advancement at 336-750-2184, or visit wssu.edu.
For more information contact: Michelle M. Cook Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of the WSSU Foundation 336-750-2184 | cookm@wssu.edu
wssufoundation.org * Be sure to consult your CPA or tax advisor about your individual circumstances. Scan this code with your smart device to learn more about WSSU International Programs.
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Growing thrugh Giving Take the 120th Anniversary Challenge
Continue the Legacy … Shape the Future This year, as WSSU marks its 120th year, we are mounting an anniversary challenge: “We’re
asking donors to give at least 120 new dollars, over and above what they currently give,” says Michelle Cook, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Those funds will go toward scholarships, our single greatest need. “This amount represents just $10 a month – but with 17,000 alumni in our database and additional friends and supporters, that’s unbelievable potential to impact the future of this university.”
www.wssurampages.com
A Publication of WSSU University Advancement For more information, contact: Michelle M. Cook Vice Chancellor, University Advancement Executive Director, WSSU Foundation
Scan this code with your smart device to connect to WSSU University Advancement.
336-750-2184 | cookm@wssu.edu | wssu.edu
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