The University of Kansas

Campaign asks employees to join fund drive

Some may think the KU First campaign is only for people outside the university, such as alumni, private companies and foundations. But many of the most loyal and generous Jayhawks are right here on campus.

So next week KU First: Invest in Excellence, KU’s third major fund-raising campaign, will ask KU faculty and staff in Lawrence to join the effort to aid KU.

The University Family Comm-ittee, composed of KU faculty, staff and students and chaired by Tom Beisecker, associate professor of communication studies, was formed in December 2000. It serves as a liaison between campaign leaders and KU employees.
The committee hopes all KU faculty and staff members will contribute to the campaign regardless of the amount of their gifts.

Everyone can participate by sending gifts to the Kansas University Endowment Association for any areas that donors choose, including their own department, division or school.
Donors may contribute by:

• using the gift card and envelope that will be mailed to all KU faculty and staff; and

• taking advantage of payroll deduction by giving online at www.kuendowment.org

“A high percentage of staff and faculty support makes an impressive statement of our commitment to the university as KU First continues,” Beisecker said. “Now is your opportunity to make a long-lasting impact on KU by joining more than 1,500 KU faculty and staff members who already provide support for KU. “Your participation in this campaign is crucial. As we ask alumni and friends to support KU, it’s important to show them that the entire KU family is committed to these improvements.”

Beisecker said that the committee is aware that the events of Sept. 11, 2001, have been challenging for everyone at KU.

“From the terrorist attacks through the continuing financial woes of the state, we have been asked to maintain KU’s reputation under trying circumstances,” Beisecker said. “And we have succeeded. Now, even as our university continues to cope with budget shortfalls and other financial decisions, we have an opportunity to express our continuing commitment to KU and to the importance of higher education in Kansas — by participating in KU First: Invest in Excellence.”

KU First, the largest fund-raising campaign conducted for the university, has a goal of $500 million. The campaign benefits all aspects of KU not funded by the state, including teaching, scholarships, information technology enhancements, facility and campus improvements, research and support for the visual and performing arts.