Dear colleagues,
Changing lives is something all of us do on a daily basis here at Kansas State University. It’s why we do what we do and why we have invested our time and talent in supporting the work of this great university. Every day we work together to give our students, staff and colleagues a supportive environment — one that makes the best of what we have here so our students get the best education possible given our current situation.
We are always aware, however, of the things we could do better if our resources were greater. The reality of today’s educational environment is that state legislatures are less and less likely to increase funding for higher education, and that indeed the trend is in the opposite direction. K-State is not about to give up and give in to this reality — we are about taking control of our future and about moving forward with a spirit of optimism, creativity and innovation. We are already used to doing great things with limited resources, but now we need to have more, so we can do more.
If we are to continue to grow, thrive and effectively work at changing lives in the years ahead, we will need to do it by helping ourselves by supporting the fundraising efforts of our foundation. This is where the Changing Lives All-University Campaign can, and should be, an essential part of the larger campaign. We have more at stake than any other constituency in supporting K-State. The money raised will help us directly, make our lives better, allow us to fulfill our goals and expectations as members of the university community, and ultimately help shape and drive the lives of the students we reach on a daily basis. Think of the message we send to our students, alumni, benefactors and legislators when we support the mission of our university with our personal gifts. K-State has a history of doing this with a high percentage of participation, and that history is worth growing to even higher levels.
As co-chairs, we believe in the value of supporting the goals of the Changing Lives Campaign. The All-University Campaign is not about the amount of giving but simply about participating at whatever level you feel comfortable. Your willingness to give sends a strong message here in Manhattan and well beyond the immediate university environment. It says that we care too!
Please give strong consideration to supporting the All-University component of the Changing Lives Campaign as we reach and exceed the goals in this, the last stages of this effort. If you have questions, please contact us and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Very truly yours,
Gayle Doll
gdoll@ksu.edu
Gary Mortenson
garym@ksu.edu
Jennyfer Owensby
jennyfer@ksu.edu