K-State proud student campaign aims to assist peers, demonstrate support of university community

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Sources: Joe Vossen, jvossen@k-state.edu; Jenny Kennedy, jkennedy@k-state.edu;
and Mindy Weixelman, mindyw@found.ksu.edu

Friday, February 9, 2007

K-STATE PROUD STUDENT CAMPAIGN AIMS TO ASSIST PEERS, DEMONSTRATE SUPPORT OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Student Foundation is launching the inaugural K-State Proud: Students Changing Lives Campaign, the student-driven portion of K-State's Changing Lives Campaign.

The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness of philanthropy and the importance of private gifts to the university among students and the entire K-State family. Further, participation in the campaign will demonstrate the commitment of the student body to all others who invest in K-State.

"K-State Proud is a rare opportunity for students to engage in a philanthropic effort that benefits fellow students," said Jenna Kennedy, campaign co-chair and a senior in microbiology, Hoxie. "Through the generosity of each student who contributes, we'll be able to demonstrate to the entire university community what K-State family truly means."

K-State Proud began with a Jan. 11 kick-off event for campus volunteers. It culminates Feb. 12-19 and includes a campaign celebration and pep rally for all student ticket-holders Monday, Feb. 19, before the men's basketball game against the University of Kansas.

Campaign donations will fund opportunity awards to assist students when unexpected situations arise and when other sources of financial aid are not available.

"Awards will help the unsung heroes at K-State who deserve a little extra help in achieving the university education and college experience they deserve," said Joe Vossen, campaign co-chair and a senior in political science, Tecumseh.

During the campaign week, volunteers will collect donations in the K-State Student Union. Students who make a minimum donation of $10 or more will receive the official "blackout" T-shirt for the basketball game against KU.

"K-State Proud has given us, the students, an opportunity to demonstrate to our alumni and friends how closely we are tied to K-State," Vossen said. "The campaign will be successful if each student in the K-State family learns about the value of philanthropy and the importance of giving back to our university."

Pat Bosco, associate vice president for institutional advancement and dean of student life at K-State, said the student campaign shows the support the university receives from all members of the K-State family.

"Our alumni have given at a record pace. Parents, faculty and staff have contributed, and I'm proud that our students are also considering a contribution to the Changing Lives Campaign," Bosco said.