"We Are Western" Celebrates Nat'l Philanthropy Week

University News

"We Are Western" Celebrates Nat'l Philanthropy Week

November 7, 2012

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MACOMB, IL -- True or False: tuition covers the cost of a college education? False! Tuition dollars only cover about half the educational expenses for a semester. And that's where the Western Illinois University Foundation and its more than 14,000 annual donors come in.

Foundation expenditures in support of the University totaled more that $6.6 million last fiscal year, including $3.4 million awarded to nearly 4,000 students in the form of scholarships.

To recognize the importance of, and to celebrate, its donors, the WIU Foundation will take part in National Philanthropy Week Nov. 12-16. Students can visit with WIU Foundation staff in the Union Concourse from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 12-13 to learn more about scholarship opportunities and foundation activities, and also vote on a student philanthropy initiative for Spring 2013.

"What makes philanthropy so special is that it's entirely voluntary," said Brad Bainter, vice president of advancement and public services, and executive director of the WIU Foundation. "More than 14,000 people each year contribute to Western, enhancing the quality of the educational experience and lessening the financial burdens for our students. It is powerful and inspiring, and it's our collective community."

Rachel Steibing, a WIU broadcasting major from Chicago, credits her success at Western in part to the scholarship assistance she has received.

"I am so thankful to the alumni and many others who have supported students at Western through gifts to the department," Steibing said. "Every dollar counts, and giving to Western's scholarship programs helps students like me continue to grow and go on to great things."

WIU employees who have contributed to the "We Are Western" faculty and staff campaign have received purple wristbands and are encouraged to wear them the week of Nov. 12-16.

"We'd like our students to seek out those faculty and staff wearing the purple wristbands and thank them for their support," Bainter added. "Western employees give because they care about the students they serve."

For more information about the WIU Foundation, visit wiu.edu/giving or call (309) 298-1861. For more information on Western's Annual Fund, contact Director Tim Hallinan at (309) 298-1874.