University campaign sets record, passes $800,000

The most recent Annual University Campaign is one that will not be forgotten despite the struggling economy.

Its final dollar amount totaled $832,788, an all-time record for the campaign and exceeds Central Michigan University’s dollar and donor goals. It also was $62,788 above a goal of $770,000.

“I was not that surprised by the success of the campaign,” said Director of Annual Giving Bryan Griffin. “It seems like our faculty, staff and retirees really see the value in giving back to CMU, and how important it is to give back; therefore, we continue to surpass our goals.”

The final donor total was 1,019, just more than the 1,000 goal — another first for the campaign. Twenty-eight percent of the total faculty, staff and retirees gave to the campaign, also an all-time high.

Griffin said there were a few changes from campaigns in the past.

“The nuts and bolts of the campaign were very much the same,” Griffin said. “We did have a revamped Web site, and revamped AUC logo and newsletters.”

More for the dollar

During the campaign, many gifts went to annual awards, endowments and student scholarships.

“I think the fact that the university matches every $2 donated with $1 encourages more people to donate because they are getting more for their dollar,” said Barb Lindley, associate registrar for undergraduate academic services and co-chair for the campaign.

Also, AUC donors are advised of what department or area with its own account that their money goes.

Many alumni who have opted not to donate to the campaign in the past were inspired to do so this year — an additional surprise for some.

But what could have been a setback was not, Griffin said, because donors knew their dollar would go farther.

“We had more dollars and donors this year due to the fact I believe people who have the capacity to give, gave more this year,” Griffin said. “They knew their dollars would have a great impact on a student or/and department that really needed this funding during this tough economic climate.”