K-State Proud campaign raises more than $62,500

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Sources: Emily Besler, 303-906-2204, ebesler@k-state.edu;
Joe Vossen, jvossen@k-state.edu; Jenna Kennedy, jkennedy@k-state.edu;
and Mindy Weixelman, 785-532-7523, mindyw@found.ksu.edu

Friday, February 23, 2007

K-STATE PROUD CAMPAIGN RAISES MORE THAN $62,500

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Student Foundation's K-State Proud: Students Changing Lives Campaign has raised $62,572 to help K-State students.

The campaign was launched as the student-driven portion of K-State's Changing Lives Campaign. The campaign's goal was to raise awareness of philanthropy and the importance of private gifts to the university by students and the entire K-State family.

"We have been continually amazed by the student body's commitment to help their fellow students," said Emily Besler, campaign coordinator and a senior in political science and marketing, Evergreen, Colo. "K-State Proud was about 'students changing lives.' Now, thousands of students will be impacted by the legacy of this campaign."

Campaign donations will fund Student 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.

More than 200 student volunteers helped during the campaign, Feb. 12-19, by selling K-State Proud "blackout" T-shirts at the K-State Student Union. Students who made a donation of $10 or more received the T-shirt as part of the "Blackout Bramlage" effort for the Feb. 19 basketball game between K-State and the University of Kansas. The campaign culminated with a celebration and pep rally for all student ticket-holders before the game.

"What an incredibly awesome sight to see 6,000-plus K-State students in black two hours before tip-off and to know the entire effort was by students to help students," said Pat Bosco, associate vice president for institutional advancement and dean of student life. "There is nothing like the K-State student spirit, and I am proud to be a K-Stater."

"K-State Proud was an 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 contributed, we'll be able to demonstrate what being part of the K-State family truly means."