A habit of giving

Classified employee sees impact of making All-University gift

 

Phillip Gerdes has made several charitable gifts to worthy causes such as the American Cancer Society and United Way. But the K-State network control technician’s gift to the K-State All-University Campaign is special to him.

"This gift actually affects me more directly than any other," said Gerdes, who has worked at K-State since 1989. "This way I can help my co-workers, my department."

Gerdes has been giving to K-State since 1999 when he enrolled in a $1-per-pay-period payroll deduction benefiting the Classified Senate. He recently decided to continue his gift during the second All-University Campaign, a faculty and staff fundraising effort to benefit the university.

"I figured I could contribute, and it was easy. This way, it’s not like I’ll ever forget," he said. "This is my way to participate. It helps to be involved, and if you don’t have the time, this is one great way you can be involved."

Jennyfer Owensby, All-University Campaign co-chair and Classified Senate president-elect, said that gifts of any amount, such as Gerdes’, can make a big difference. The Classified Senate has already used additional funds towards special projects.

"This year, one of the most important things has been working with the State Employee Compensation Oversight Commission," Owensby said. "We’ve been able to attend those meetings [in Topeka] mostly because of the extra funds the Classified Senate has received over the course of the campaign."

Pleased by the news that his gift was making a difference, Gerdes said he chose to designate the Classified Senate as the recipient of his gift because he knew that it would affect his work environment.

"I know exactly where my money is going. It means that I’m really helping and at the same time, they [Classified Senate] are helping me," Gerdes said.

Gerdes, who works at East Stadium in computing and telecommunications services, helps provide phone and Internet service for everyone on campus, including K-State at Salina. He said he often encourages colleagues to support the university.

"If they ask me, I tell them, ‘It’s an easy way to help,’ " he said.

And there is still time. "It’s not too late to participate in this year’s campaign," Owensby said. "Phil’s gift is just one example of how an individual can improve the lives of fellow K-Staters."

Funds raised during the All-University Campaign benefit K-State’s Changing Lives Campaign, the university’s most ambitious fundraising initiative with a goal of $500 million to enhance student success, faculty development and the learning environment.

For more information, visit
www.found.ksu.edu/alluniv or contact your work group representative.

 

Photo: Phil Gerdes, K-state network control technician, has maintained a payroll deduction to benefit the Classified Senate since 1999. (Photo and story courtesy of Flavia G. Hulsey, development publications coordinator, Kansas State University Foundation)