2008 Campus Drive - 30th Annual

The Impact of $1.00 per pay period

Chair: Dr. Jeffrey R. Pribyl, Chemistry and Geology 

The passion, dedication and hard work by faculty, staff, and emeriti make a difference for our students every day! We challenge and educate our students and support them as they work to achieve their dreams.

The Campus Drive began in 1979 at Minnesota State Mankato as an annual event for faculty, staff and emeriti.  Your contributions provide critical funding for programs and scholarships. There are over 500 funds to choose from to give a gift.

Every gift makes a difference - and your participation is needed!

The goals for FY08 are $200,000 through 50% participation. Your gifts of just $1 per pay period x 26 pay periods per year = $26. If each of the approximate 1,500 faculty and staff members on campus committed to that, it would equal over $40,000 for the University! Please join us in making a difference for our students!

Gift Challenge Match

Your 2008 gift has significant impact because it will be matched by emeritus Dr. John McCarty and Facilities Services Director Mr. David Cowan for up to a total of $14,000!

COE Challenge

Dr. Michael Miller has initiated a challenge to all faculty and staff members of the College of Education (COE). For each faculty and staff member who donates to the COE by June 30, 2008, Dr. Miller will contribute $5!
View his letter: COE Challenge from Dr. Michael Miller

Testimonials - Why Give?

Dr. Linda Duckett, Professor of Music

"Dear Members of the Minnesota State Mankato Family,
Recently a colleague and I had a conversation about our institution, the fact that it is a privilege to be part of our campus family—to teach, to study, to contribute professionally to our shared mission and goals. That conversation about privilege soon transferred in my mind to the next stage, to thinking about the privilege we—the members of the professional community—have to be on the “giving” side of the equation. As Minnesota State Mankato employees we are part of a substantial and very important ecosystem, and all of us are essential to our shared institutional successes. It has been my pleasure and privilege (through special gifts and payroll deductions) to contribute to several vital, yet different kinds of programs-- to scholarships and enrichment offerings. This is the best time and opportunity to support our campus community and to give to the Campus Drive—it’s a privilege to be part of the Minnesota State Mankato Family efforts for fund- and friend-raising!"

Joel Jensen, '93, '01, '05, Associate Director of Security 

"My Father served the University as a faculty member for twenty-seven years. My late Mother was an alumna, my Wife is an alumna, I am an alumnus—my son-in-law too. I was lucky enough to attend elementary and high school on campus—literally third grade through graduate school. I’ve had the pleasure of serving the Minnesota State Mankato community for almost twenty years as a staff member. You might say that the institution has supported me most of my life and continues to do so—hopefully for a long time! So you can see that I’ve experienced and enjoyed the many benefits and experiences that this wonderful institution provides through family, as a student, and as a staff member.
I’ve also had the pleasure of working with and getting to know countless Minnesota State Mankato students, faculty, staff, and administrators during my career. I’ve developed lifelong friendships and professional networks here at this special place—a place integral to my life. The Campus Drive—what an easy way to say “Thank You” Minnesota State Mankato for allowing me to be a part of a proud history and a vibrant future. I urge all of my colleagues to say “Thank You” too by giving to the Campus Drive."

Michael Meeker, senior

Michael Meeker is a senior Elementary Education major from Mantorville, Minnesota. As an incoming first-year student, Michael received the prestigious four-year Presidential Scholarship which covers the majority of tuition and fees. Michael has also received two scholarships from the College of Education. His experience at Minnesota State demonstrates how your contributions make a tremendous difference. "The scholarships have given me a chance to fully pursue my dreams which comes at a much greater value than money," Meeker says. "I have the opportunity to focus on my classes, get involved in the community, and take on leadership roles here on campus. I truly feel I am getting the best education possible. Every year I am able to fully engage myself in my classes, leadership experiences, and volunteer work. The scholarships have given me my wings to fly and I am graciously using them to fly far beyond my utmost potential."

Stewart Ross, Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, 2007 Campus Drive Chair

"I arrived at Minnesota State Mankato (then Mankato State University) in March 1977, right out of a Ph.D. program at Northwestern University. I was hired for just 9 weeks to finish out the term of a faculty member who had become ill. Little did I know I would end up getting married here and having two children, now both in their twenties…and celebrating 30 years at the institution last year!
The University is my home. I look forward to coming to work every day. We have wonderful, caring faculty who work hard to be the best teachers they can be. However, there are never enough resources to aid our students and faculty in the pursuit of excellence. Therefore, it is my great pleasure to make annual donations to Minnesota State Mankato. It just makes good sense to give to the place at which I work.
I hope all faculty and staff will think carefully about the importance of making a donation to the University, no matter how small. What a great time to make your first donation or increase your donation made last year. The University continues to be a leader in so many ways. Won’t you please consider that gift this year? Together we can make a difference!"

Helen Walters, Office Manager, Facilities Services, 2006 Campus Drive Chair

"I have had the opportunity to offer over 20 years of service to Minnesota State University, Mankato, in areas of transportation, Risk Management, Materials Management and the MnSCU system in which we have been acknowledged for our strength and dedication to Minnesota State Mankato.

Contributions to the Campus Drive allow you to share your University pride with incoming students and families that have chosen Minnesota State Mankato to pursue career courses. I also have had the opportunity to serve as Campus Drive Chairperson in 2006. I was able to see firsthand the numerous hours that students, staff and administration offer to this effort. They compliment all of us on their hard work. We should feel fortunate to have the privilege to offer a contribution small or large back to the University. Your gift will allow scholarships to be offered to your friends and family members. They will be thankful to you!"

Pam Weller-Dengel, '92, Director of the Career Development Center

"I have been a part of the Minnesota State University community for more than 15 years and I know firsthand what a difference donations can make to a department—regardless of the size of the gift! There are countless offices/departments doing wonderful, significant work that makes a difference in the daily lives of students and many do this with little in the way of financial resources. It is my hope that my contribution, when combined with the contributions of others, will allow these areas to continue to do outstanding work. I began several years ago with a donation and make it a goal to increase the amount of my gift on an annual basis. I particularly encourage those who do not currently contribute to consider making a gift, whatever amount you choose, to an on-campus department you identify as doing great work and making a difference in the lives of students. "

Carol Werhan, Director of Field Experience

"I give to the Campus Drive because it is a really convenient way to do a good thing! My contribution combined with others adds up to some significant money. The way I see it, any way I can support our students and programs will pay off in a better work and learning environment for everyone."

 

 

Kathie Wilcox, Office Manager, Printing Services

"Giving to the Campus Drive is one small way you can make the world a better place to live in. I challenge you to consider at least investing a dollar a paycheck to an area you’re interested in. I personally know and keep in contact with several scholarship recipients who have great careers and are making this world a better place to live in because of the scholarships they had while attending Minnesota State Mankato. This investment really pays off big and you may actually want to give more and do more! Why not give back to a place that has enriched your life? Thank you for considering this great opportunity which changes lives!"

Ways to Give

• Reply through the Campus Drive intracampus packet you receive in February
• Payroll deduction makes supporting the University easy.  Download a form here or contact the Development office at 507-389-6829 to request your payroll deduct form today!
• Give Online: Make your gift now on our secure site
• Give by Phone: You can make a credit card gift now by calling toll-free at 1-800-662-2705
• Give by Mail - Make checks payable to:
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation
  • 126 Alumni Foundation Center
  • Mankato, MN 56001
    

To view a list of all past Campus Drive chairs and information on the Campus Drive award, please visit the Employee Recognition website

For more information, please contact:

Cindy Arndt
Gift Receipting Coordinator
126 Alumni Foundation Center
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-6829 or 1-800-662-2705
Fax: 507-389-1567
Email: cynthia.arndt@mnsu.edu