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TRANSCRIPT
1. Story Summaries
2. Friday Interviews
a. Megan Smith, Washburn University Foundation
b. Harrison Watts, Criminal Justice Department
c. Jamie McEwen, Student Employment Coordinator
d. Michelle Canipe, Mabee Library
e. Jessica Neumann, Student Activities and Greek Life
3. Visit Topeka
a. Los Charros Review
4. Current Event Post
5. Washburn Review
a. S.N.O.W Raises Awareness About Diabetes
b. Leadership Institute Gives Away Highest Honors
6. Beat Coverage
a. History & Importance of Foundation
b. Direct Mailing Story
c. CASE Award Story
d. Alliance Scholarship Brief
e. Faculty and Staff Brief
f. Phonathon Brief
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Index
1. 2010-2011Faculty & Staff Campaign- This story is a great way to demonstrate
how Washburn faculty and staff are giving back to students.
2. Harrison Watts Biography- This profile on Harrison displays the different
people at Washburn and just how versatile they are.
3. Technology in Student Employment- With technology constantly evolving it’s
important to incorporate it in our lives and for student employees that’s exactly
what they are doing.
4. Resources in Mabee Library-Many important resources go left unsaid in the
library and this is just one way to get the word out.
5. Student Organizations giving back-This story talks about the importance of
giving back to the community and what groups on campus are doing just that.
6. Los Charros Review-This is a fantastic restaurant that offers karaoke and 99
cent margaritas almost every day; a place for the students to hang out.
7. SNOW Raises Awareness about Diabetes-This story highlights the dedication
that students have to donating to the community in Topeka.
8. Leadership Institute Gives Away Highest Honors-The Leadership Institute is
often overlooked and this story just exemplifies the great things they are doing.
9. Direct Mailing Story-This explains what direct mail pieces are and why they are
so vital to the Washburn University Foundation.
10. CASE Award Story-The Foundation received a prestigious award and the
story explains what it is and why it’s important for the Foundation.
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Story Summaries
11. Alliance Scholarship Brief- This brief describes the scholarship itself and
the special individuals that it helps.
12. Faculty and Staff Brief- This brief promotes the current 2011-12
campaign that is underway and all the events to come
13. Phonathon Brief- This brief is a profile on phonathon callers including
what their nights are like and what they do.
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 354
Sources: Megan Smith, x2757, www.givetowashburn.org
Headline: Faculty & Staff Furnish Funds for Washburn
Students who complain about paying for faculty and staff’s salaries might be surprised to
learn how many of them give back for scholarships.
Last year’s Faculty and Staff campaign came to a close in October but the results are
finally in of how much money was raised. The 2010-11 campaign rose close to $117,000.
The Washburn University Foundation wanted to show the faculty and staff here at
Washburn where the money raised is going. Showing how one student’s life is changed by a
generous donation is a great way to motivate others to donate. The Foundation had no problems
motivating their volunteers to donate; they used the best of technology and created an
inspirational video to encourage faculty and staff to get involved.
The six-week-long campaign was run by three Washburn professionals. These three
individuals oversaw 34 of Washburn’s volunteer-staff as they raised funds to support resources
in scholarship, program funds, faculty support and capital needs. This campaign boosts
Washburn’s image to the community and to the alumni.
There is no minimum or maximum donation to the campaign. Donors can donate their
money to the Foundation, invest in a Washburn Fund for Excellence, or put it into an
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Endowment fund. In simple terms, an Endowment fund is a lot like a savings account, the money
put into the account gains interest. The interest is what helps create scholarships and other
resources for students. An Endowed fund starts at $25,000 and grows from there.
Washburn faculty and staff have another way to donate. They can enroll in a payroll
deduction that deducts their pledge amount each month or every two weeks. The other way is
through check, credit card, online and a basic pledge.
The commitment of the 34 committee members demonstrates the commitment and
dedication to Washburn and its students. Legislators, corporations, foundations, alumni and
friends see the impact the donations make on the students. The $117,000 raised exhibits an
investment in success. “By showing how and why the money is going to make a difference is a
great way to raise awareness to others,” said Megan Smith, director of communications and
annual giving.
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Daphne Phillips
Word count: 366
Sources: Harrison Watts (670-1410), Facebook, http://www.washburn.edu/sas/cj/faculty.htm,
http://wattsworx.com/courses.html, http://cjonline.com/stories/090508/loc_328744319.shtml
Headline: Professor, Writer, and Consultant: Who is Harrison Watts?
He enjoys long walks on the Texas beach, writing nonfiction books and owning his own
consulting company. In his free time he teaches in the criminal justice department and serves as
internship coordinator.
It may sound like a classified ad, but it’s just one of the many things that Washburn’s
own Harrison Watts is involved with. He’s only been with Washburn for two years but he is
trying out just about anything.
Watts moved to Topeka after 10 years at Vernon College in Texas and Cameron
University in Oklahoma. He has his bachelors and masters from Midwestern State University in
Texas, but he didn’t stop there. He received a second masters from Sam Houston State
University in Texas and holds a doctorate from Northcentral University in Arizona. Along with
educational credentials he is also a distinguished law enforcement officer. He currently holds a
Master Peace Officer License through Texas. He worked in Texas for the sheriff’s office in
Vernon where he worked on patrolling, criminal investigations, crime prevention and training
and as a sergeant in investigations.
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A skill that Watts possess outside the realm of police work is the ability to write about it.
Watts writes nonfiction books for criminal justice instructors. He writes supplementary books
that have lecture suggestions, test questions and ideas for class. Along with his supplementary
books he wrote a book on how to prepare for the police sergeant exam, it is like an ACT study
book. His current project includes a reader for law students.
Outside of school and writing, Watts owns and manages Wattsworx Consulting. This
consulting firm offers in-service training for police officers; police officers are required to attend
40 hours of in-service training. The current class he is teaching is called Sudden Custody Death
Recognition and Prevention. Sometimes people can suddenly die from the stress of being
arrested and go into cardiac arrest. This class talks about what to do when this happens while
someone is in custody.
Harrison Watts is a man of many faces, he teaches, advises, writes, and consults.
Washburn is lucky to have landed such a versatile man. “I love teaching at Washburn because of
the camaraderie between the students and teachers,” Watts said
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Daphne, Ashley, Dakota
Word Count: 489
Sources: Jamie McEwen, [email protected]
Headline: Washburn connecting with student employees
The financial aid office supervises 700-900 student employees. These employees are
placed all over campus and do a variety of jobs. However, communicating with all the
employees is an especially difficult task, but one person in the office is determined to change
that.
Jamie McEwen said she loves each and every one of her student workers. She strives to
make each of her employees comfortable as they make the transition into a student employee.
According to McEwen, she treats all her students with the same amount of respect and honesty,
making them feel calm about coming into her office for the first time and every time thereafter.
“My love is for the students and making a comfortable environment for them when it comes to
dealing with money,” said McEwen. Dealing with money can be stressful, but it can be
especially stressful when a worker doesn’t check their e-mail regarding appointments and
timesheet deadlines.
Getting a hold of students about timesheets and appointments can be difficult to do if
they do not check their e-mail on a regular basis. Because of this dilemma, McEwen has taken it
upon herself to use the powerful tool of social media. Most of Washburn student workers are
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using social media to interact with McEwen, which makes the environment even more relaxed
for them.
Social media gives great opportunity for viewing deadlines, contact information on jobs
and frequently asked questions. All this information is viewable on Washburn University’s
website. However, Facebook is the preferred social networking site currently used by McEwen
and her employees, but she is open to suggestions when it comes to social networking. McEwen
hasn’t tried Twitter, but is contemplating getting a site up. McEwen said Twitter could make the
program just that much more versatile and easy to use, as blogging is a part of almost every
college student’s life.
For students to feel that comfortable through the transition McEwen is currently working
on a video tutorial for the FAQs on the financial aid website. This is projected to assist the
average student is adjusting to working on campus even more. Students can find out exactly how
to fill out a timesheet or where to go to pick up paychecks. This is just another tool that McEwen
and her team use to assist students in the transition of being a student employee.
McEwen is always working toward finding ways for students to feel comfortable when it
comes to handling their finances. Going to school and being a student worker can be a lot for a
person, but with McEwen’s innovative techniques to improve communication, employees can
feel at ease when it comes to working and going to school. Social media is widely used by
college students, but now that same site can assist offices, like McEwen’s in communicating with
their students.
“Where would we be without our student workers,” said McEwen, “they make a
significant and meaningful contribution wherever they work.”
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Jessica Zimlich and Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 173
Source: Michelle Reed Canipe (785) 670-1274
Headline: Mabee Library offers tools and tips for effective research
The average student approaches research on the Internet by using Google or other general
search engines to find information about their topic. From there, they use the first hit that they
see at the top of the page. This poses a problem because students shouldn’t believe everything
they read, especially on the Internet.
Washburn students don’t realize the resources that they have available to them. Mabee
library offers a plethora of people that a student could talk to. Michelle Reed Canipe is
Washburn University’s Information Distance Education Librarian and she is here to help.
Canipe can show students sites and resources they can use in the library to better their research
capabilities. Mabee library is expanding its resources for students so they can become better
researchers.
Canipe is a great source for Allied Health, Kinesiology, and the School of Nursing
students. Canipe said, “The most important thing when it comes to research is to ask for help if
you need it, which you will.”
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 337
Source: Jess Neumann x1723
Headline: Student organizations commit to giving back
The number of cans one had to donate to get a free t-shirt, 10. The total number of canned
goods that Washburn Student Government collected during Can Emporia was 26,000.
Washburn and its students have a tradition of giving back to others. This is common
occurrence through student organizations and departments on campus.
With the aid of the Student Activities and Greek Life office, students can find just about
any opportunity to give back. Jess Neumann, the assistant director of student activities and greek
life wants students to be passionate about giving back. “Giving back can be a rewarding
experience that can make students feel good about the hard work and commitment they put
forth,” said Neumann.
The greek community works to raise awareness about heart health and topics like
domestic abuse. Other student organizations give back to the Topeka community as well. Even
the offices here at Washburn are committed to giving back. The multicultural affairs office
paired up and hosted no name calling week, a week where students could attend activities
regarding name calling and had the option of taking a pledge to end name calling.
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In the Topeka community Washburn is one of those donors that everyone wants to get
their hands on. Students and organizations are eager to help out anyone and everyone. There are
student organizations at Washburn that are dedicated to giving back. The Mocha Club of
Washburn strives to bring awareness and advocate for Africa as they try to bring clean water and
education about HIV.
Those are just a few of the student organizations that are committed to giving back to the
Topeka community. Whether it is a club, a greek house, or a campus office, it seems that
Washburn community is always eager to help out. Every week seems to be that special holiday
season where others are giving back. “There is always something going on, something to get
involved with that gives students the ability to give back to the community,” said Jess Neumann.
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 263
Source: Los Charros, 228-8922
Headline: Los Charros, not the average restaurant
The warm gooey queso covers the chips, the salsa ignites the taste buds and the 99 cent
margaritas make people sing.
Since opening their doors in August of 2010, Los Charros has been the buzz for college
students in Topeka, not because of the weeklong 99 cent margaritas but because of karaoke.
Thursday nights at Los Charros brings in a crowd of those talented and sometimes, those
untalented singers. In between singers, Los Charros is playing today’s hits so sandwiched
between queso and margaritas students can get up and dance. People are up out of their seats and
dancing the night away, age doesn’t matter at Los Charros because everyone is welcomed.
Some students may feel too embarrassed to sing, but after having a few 99 cent
margaritas students loosen up and hit the stage singing classics like “American Pie” and “Jesse’s
Girl.” The majority of Mexican restaurants in Topeka only offer 99 margaritas on Tuesdays or
Thursdays, well, if it happens to be a Wednesday or Friday, come on down to Los Charros where
they serve 99 cent margaritas Monday through Thursday and then again on Sunday.
Students find the atmosphere comfortable and the food reasonably priced. With
entertainment, delicious food and 99 cent margaritas, Los Charros is the place to be on Thursday
nights. Students should check out Los Charros and see what all the commotion is about. Los
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Charros is located in Gage Center and is accessible through Gage Drive or Huntoon Street.
“They make you feel like a family with the food, atmosphere and great music,” said Hilary
Larson, regular patron.
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Current Event Posts
1. Child snatcher on the prowl
a. Posted on January 21, 2011 by daphnephillips
i. California boy gets kidnapped from grandmother’s arms.
ii. http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/20/california.missing.child/
index.html
2. Anxiety = excessive partying
a. Posted on January 30, 2011 by daphnephillips
i. Mental health can be detrimental for college students who may be
trying to fight anxiety. This article talks about how teenagers,
especially college students, who suffer from anxiety are more likely
to drink. College students would rather relax from a stiff drink than
medication. This article also talks about how teens who are
‘socialphobic’ tend to drink less! It’s incredibly insightful!
ii. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41313491/ns/health-mental_health /
3. Happy Birthday!
a. Posted on February 4, 2011 by daphnephillips
i. Thankfully to the Korean tradition I am no longer 21, I am now 22!
Thursday was the start of the Lunar New Year and according to them;
everyone is one year older than they were. Those who celebrate the Lunar
New Year do it the same way we do! Food, games, music, and dancing
were all available to Asian-Americans on Thursday as they rung in the
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Lunar New Year. Sounds very similar to our New Year’s celebration, just
a month and four days shy.
ii.
b. Category: Around the World
c. Source: MSNBC
d. Newsworthy: Proximity-Washburn’s diverse campus allows us to learn from
other cultures; however, I am finding it more and more interesting to research the
Korean life style. This makes me feel more educated about other countries and
also, people can see how similar they are to us.
4. A Sobering Effect
a. Posted on February 7, 2011 by daphnephillips
i. Now that I am officially 21, I can partake in drinking festivities! I
am, however, shocked to find out that high school freshman who
abstain from drinking has increased from 38 percent to 62 percent. I
have an 18-year-old brother who is always telling me about parties
he gets invited to, so I am surprised that this is actually happening. I
completely agree with this article that the economy place a crucial
role in students’ ability to drink. USA Today did a great report on
this issue.
ii. http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-02-07-
drinkingdown07_ST_N.htm
b. Category: Health
c. Source: USA Today
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d. Newsworthy: Impact-I found this particularly interesting because you read
about the deaths caused by alcohol and this article almost disproves it. It’s
an interesting read for anyone.
5. ANOTHER iphone?
a. Posted on February 14, 2011 by daphnephillips
i. Okay apple, we get it, you make iphones that everyone has. But
apparently, you are going to amaze us yet again! A smaller, cheaper
iphone is in the works; this phone will be about half the price of the
original iphone. Apple doesn’t realize that half the price of a regular
iphone is still $100, PLUS the data plan you are required to get with
it. Nice try apple, but I am going to stick with my Microsoft 7
phone.
ii. http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/14/6052180-
report-smaller-cheaper-iphone-in-the-works?gt1=43001
b. Category: Posters Choice
c. Source: MSNBC
d. Newsworthy: Prominence-Technology is constantly revolving and people
always want the new and latest thing. Apple has to compete with the
Android running system, and this is Apple’s way of fighting back.
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 446
Sources: Marissa Kaiser (760-840-0849), Brooke Powell ([email protected]),
Tiffany Mendel ([email protected])
S.N.O.W Raises Awareness about Diabetes
The runway was lined with white paper, tea lights accented the red tissue paper flowers
and the student-models exhibited today’s latest fashions for nurses.
Student Nurses of Washburn with conjunction with the Washburn School of Nursing
hosted a diabetes fundraiser for the Marian Clinic. On April 15 from 6-8 p.m. in the College Hill
Clubhouse guests were able to snack and socialize with their peers.
Along with the snacks and socializing, nursing students put on a fashion show sponsored
by Similar Mode, a Topeka company who manufactures scrubs. The students owned the runway
with corduroy pants, school of nursing bags and kimono-style tops. Male and female students
modeled outfits for both genders, so fear not men, there are some stylish scrubs out there for
men.
The fashion show and socializing was a way to raise funds and awareness for the Marian
Clinic and its crusade to help those with diabetes. The school of nursing has an agreement with
the Marian Clinic so that every five years they host a fundraiser. This year’s crusade was the
fight to prevent diabetes. “Nurses should be more aware not just about health, but aware of the
health issues among today’s people,” said Marissa Kaiser, nursing student.
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The members of SNOW held a silent auction where 17 gift sets were auctioned off.
Anything from Washburn Nursing School t-shirts, to IHOP gift cards, even to jewelry were
auctioned off. Of course, the $800 raised would go to the Marian Clinic. This is just another way
that SNOW was finding ways to donate to the Marian Clinic.
About 1.9 million young people ages 20 and up are being newly diagnosed in 2010. It is
the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and about 25.8 million people have it,
that’s about 8 percent of the population. The Marian Clinic is just one place that is trying to help
out those who cannot afford medical help. Many uninsured diabetics cannot afford their diabetes
medicine. “It affects so many people because now they diagnosing younger generations. People
need to be self conscious about diabetes and know the ways to prevent it,” said Brooke Powell,
school of nursing student.
The event had fashion, food, friends and fun all wrapped up in a good cause. All
the proceeds will go to buy uninsured people the equipment and items they need to
monitor their diabetes. SNOW wanted this event to transform its organization into a bigger
cause than they are today. Promising to donate funds to the Marian clinic is one way they
are making their mark. “We want students to be aware and feel good about what we are
doing,” said Tiffany Mendel, nursing student
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 579
Sources: Jaci Lindburg (x200), Jeff Mott (x200)
Headline: Leadership Institute Gives Away Highest Honors
Students wined and dined, without the wine of course, as they enjoyed each other’s
company and recognized key people at Washburn and in the Topeka community.
Joe Aleshire, Blake Bryant and Shea Kirsop were awarded the Washburn University
Leadership Institute’s top awards Tuesday, April 19 at the Big Gage Shelter. Students within the
Leadership Institute and community members were all in attendance Tuesday night. They dined
on Brickyard Barn Inn and ice cream sundaes. The night was topped off with video highlights
and numerous awards. The staff of the Leadership Institute chose and awarded three key
members.
Joe Aleshire, executive vice president for Capital Federal, is recognized in the Topeka
community. His involvement in Topeka and continued support for education is how he got
involved with the Leadership Institute. The relationship between the Aleshires and Washburn
began when they gave students a chance to distribute money they set aside to fund non-profit
programs that specialize in early childhood development. Specifically this year, during the time
of the project, the Leadership Institute was gearing up for the Leadership Challenge Event.
Aleshire took a special interest in the effects of the event, so much that he greatly contributed
financially to the event. His devotion to the Leadership Institute and its programs is reflective in
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his donations. “The growth of the Leadership Institute reflects great partnerships that bring
together Washburn students, faculty and staff, and members of the Topeka community in a
unique and compelling ways,” said Jeff Mott, director of the Leadership Institute.
Blake Bryant, a junior corporate communication major from Independence, Kan., was
awarded one of the two fellowships that the Leadership Institute offered. The fellowship that
Bryant received includes overseeing the programs that the Leadership Institute puts on and
aiding the student director team. This is the first year that this fellowship has been put in place.
Bryant has been in the Leadership Institute for four years and has been involved with everything
from planning interview day for potential scholarship recipients to attending the Leadership
Exchange with the University of New Orleans. Along with dedicating his time and hours to the
Leadership Institute Bryant is also taking a role in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. Students can
always find Bryant talking with his peers in the Union or chatting with professors after class.
The other recipient of a fellowship is Shea Kirsop. He is a sophomore business major
from Lyndon, Kan. Kirsop’s award is a fellowship that is specifically in charge of the Leadership
Challenge Event that Lauren Eckert put on this year. Last year the fellowship was awarded to
Eckert, a senior from Minneapolis, Kan. That torch has been passed on to Kirsop as he will be
planning the 2012 Leadership Challenge Event. Kirsop has helped with everything from fall
orientation to attending new student orientation.
“We are very thankful for all the support our partners give us and for the leadership
by our students,” said Mott. The Washburn University Leadership Institute is dedicated to
making students into leaders and making lasting impressions on the community. "The
Spring Banquet is a really special time for students and staff in the Leadership Institute,
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campus members and community partners to come together, celebrate our
accomplishments from the year, honor our graduating seniors and get excited for what's to
come next year. It's my favorite event of the year, and I was so happy to see such a great
turnout this year,” said Jaci Lindburg, associate director of the Leadership Institute.
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Washburn University Foundation History
After Washburn became a municipal university in 1941, the board of trustees of
Washburn College continued in existence to manage the endowment which at the time was
approximately $1 million. It was not until 1991 that the endowment became a separate
entity functioning under the name Washburn Endowment Association. Increasing the
endowment has always been critical for Washburn. These funds provide critical aid for
student scholarships, faculty support, equipment and technology updates, and visiting
professor and lectureship programs. In 2010, Washburn University Foundation became the
new name for the fundraising arm of the university. It was decided by university and
Foundation leadership that the new name more accurately reflects the scope of the
organizations work and the many ways it supports Washburn University.
Contributions to the university continue to play a vital role in maintaining and
enhancing the learning environment.
Committed to:
o expanding the University’s donor-base by raising awareness of the need for
private support
o conducting fundraising campaigns and programs
o investing the endowment to increase the value of existing gifts
o providing high standards of stewardship for all donors to Washburn
University
o providing the centralized services to support these efforts.
29
Core Values:
1. Integrity: We are committed to integrity in all aspects of our business. We
recognize the importance and value of demonstrating honesty and are committed to the
highest ethical standards. We seek to earn the trust of those we serve in all interactions
and aspects of the services we provide.
2. Stewardship: We are committed to the careful and responsible management of
all gifts and the thoughtful and planned recognition and acknowledgement of the donors of
these gifts. We believe donors are our partners and as such each staff member adheres to
the principles of the Donor Bill of Rights in all activities.
3. Collaboration and Teamwork: We believe our organization is enhanced when we
support each other and those we serve. We strive to be team players and believe
collaborating with colleagues leads to superior solutions, enhanced creativity, improved
coordination, and ultimately enhanced performance and outcomes.
4. Respect: We are committed to treating all individuals with respect by showing
truthfulness, courtesy, openness, and professional regard in all interactions. We strive to
set an example of service and leadership.
5. Responsiveness: We are committed to providing interactions and services which
respond to the needs of those we serve. We actively look for opportunities to enhance our
services. We respond to inquiries in an effective and timely manner.
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6. Accountability: We are committed to being held accountable for all activities in
which we engage. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations and ensure open
and transparent fiscal reporting in adherence with associated policy. We uphold the
highest standards of accountability.
7. Continuous Improvement: We are committed to a continual focus on identifying
opportunities to enhance our processes, activities and services internally and externally.
We believe this approach results in increased customer satisfaction, improved
performance, more efficient use of resources, and higher quality of service.
Contacts: Megan Smith, 785-670-2757
The Importance of the Washburn University Foundation:
The Washburn University Foundation is dedicated to changing the lives of students. The
way the go about accomplishing this is through scholarships, fundraising, and donations.
Any of the money donated to the Foundation is turned around and given back to the
students of Washburn. This is a great place for students to feel that people care about them.
Each person at the Foundation has one job, and that is to find ways for students to pay for
school. Megan Smith, was a great resource and contact for me, she was able to answer all
of my questions and provide me with places to go to get information. I believe what they
are doing at the Foundation is making lasting impressions on students and putting
Washburn on the map for other universities to admire.
31
Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 453
Sources: Megan Smith (x2757)
Headline: Washburn University Foundation reaches out
The Washburn University Foundation is finding innovative ways to reach out to
constituents.
The Washburn University Foundation has been using direct mail pieces to reach potential
donors for years. Direct mail pieces are used to solicit support from their constituents. The goal
of direct mail pieces is to raise awareness about Washburn University and to raise funds to
support the school. They differ from other mail pieces in the sense that they have a direct ask for
a gift to support the university.
The biggest obstacle that the Foundation faces with direct mail pieces is getting people to
open them. To prevent this, the direct mail pieces are often personalized and specific to a
constituent based on a subject. A direct mail piece has to stand out among other pieces of mail in
one’s mailbox so they are more inclined to open it.
Direct Mail pieces are important to Washburn and to the Foundation because it attracts
potential donors. These donors who the Foundation selects contribute great amounts of money to
the school. Universities such as Michigan State are also using direct mail pieces, but the
difference between Washburn and Michigan is that Washburn personalizes theirs to make the
individual feel wanted. Since winning the CASE award back in January the Foundation has had
other schools asking advice on how to a direct mail pieces.
32
The Foundation is using creative designs and elements to pull readers into their mailings.
They generally try to tie the design of the direct mail pieces back to the subject of the piece, may
it be athletics, art, or music. The Foundation outsources the design to a firm who helps create the
visual elements of the piece that will draw in their constituents. “In higher education
development there is a lot of idea sharing so we also look at what other schools have done and
what has worked well for them to come up with similar idea that would work for Washburn,”
said Megan Smith, director of communications and annual giving.
The hard work of the Foundation has paid off. From winning a CASE award for program
mailing to now having bigger universities ask for guidance when they plan their direct mailing
pieces is impressive for the Foundation and for Washburn.
Over the next two months several different creative pieces of mail will be going out to
constituent groups with the hope of raising awareness and funds for Washburn. Thanks to the
Washburn University Foundation they are finding funds for the University so that others can
greatly benefit. “Communicating with our supporters through direct mail pieces is just another
way to enhance our fundraising efforts and further our mission of providing financial support to
Washburn students,” said Smith.
33
Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 383
Source(s): Megan Smith (x2757), http://www.case.org/Search_Results.html?q=Washburn%2BUniversity%2BFoundation&x=14&y=12
Headline: Washburn University Foundation beats Midwest contenders
The Washburn University Foundation battled with some of the biggest state schools in
the District IV, such as, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, and Wyoming to earn a gold award at the annual CASE District IV conference.
Washburn stood out amongst all the other contenders by the use of its direct mail pieces.
The Foundation was selected by a committee to receive the gold award in the category of
Excellence in Educational Fundraising: Program Mailing for Annual Fund Support at the District
Level. The committee selects winners based on specific criteria that CASE lays out. The
Foundation was recognized for the 2010 Fiscal Year End Return Address Label Mailing that
included donor honor roll verification.
The mailings and donor roll verification included a letter and personalized return address
labels with the person’s name on them. Each one had the Washburn logo on them so people can
show their pride when mailing their letters. The letter also had a how the person’s name would
be listed in the donor honor roll for them to improve. This mailing combined two separate
mailings into one. According to Megan Smith, director of communications and annual giving,
donors that receive personalized mail feel important and a sense of being wanted. These donors
are sought out by the Foundation based on what their contributions to Washburn.
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From their recognition, the Foundation has been asked by fellow universities for
assistance and guidance when it comes to their data team, phonathon program and direct mail
programs. Megan Smith, director of communications and annual giving recently presented at the
Big XII conference about the use of variable data in their direct mail appeals. Smith said that this
award is putting Washburn University and the Foundation on the map. Since the award bigger
universities such as Kansas and Kansas State have asked Washburn for advice on annual giving
and direct mail pieces.
This is isn’t the first time the Washburn University Foundation has been recognized. In
2008 and 2009 the Foundation was recognized for overall performance at a Public
Comprehensive Institution. The Foundation is trying to find new ways to get people interested in
contributing. Their uniqueness has paid off with their CASE award achievements. “It was very
innovative and is something we’re doing again this year,” said Smith.
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 269
Sources: Megan Smith (670-2757), http://www.givetowashburn.org/s/1176/interior.aspx?
sid=1176&gid=1&pgid=386
Headline: Nontraditional students are given a helping hand
Generous donors have been donating money to Washburn for years, and thanks to them
they are changing the lives of women here at Washburn.
On May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the recipients of the scholarship will be
presented with their scholarship from the generous donator who donated it.
In 1995, a new scholarship opportunity was established for women attending Washburn
University. With the help of Ruth and John Stauffer, an endowed scholarship fund was created
for nontraditional single mothers pursuing a degree at Washburn. This legacy still lives on as the
2011 scholarship recipients await their scholarship and the opportunity to meet the donor who is
changing their life.
Ruth and John Stauffer saw a need to support this group of women and with the help of a
governing board of community women; the Washburn Women’s Alliance was established. In
awarding the Washburn Women’s Alliance scholarship, preference is given to women who are
single mothers with dependent children residing with them who are properly enrolled in a
minimum of six credit hours at Washburn. Generous donors who are interested in supporting
these women can make a gift of $1,000 for a current gift scholarship or a minimum gift of
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$25,000 creates an endowed scholarship fund whose earnings are used toward future
scholarships.
The first scholarship ever awarded was given in 1996 to the amount of $856. Washburn
Women’s Alliance continues to give back to those women in need. Last year alone the Washburn
Women’s Alliance allocated $80,000 for 42 women. Since the founding in 1995 nearly $533,855
has been awarded to 297 students in need.
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 322
Sources: Megan Smith (x 2757)
Headline: Ready, Set, Donate!
Faculty and staff members at Washburn University dedicate their time and effort to
facilitate growth for students, but the commitment doesn’t stop there.
The 2011-12 faculty and staff campaign planning is under way. The theme has yet to be
unveiled but that isn’t keeping anyone from planning.
The event will start with the kick-off event at faculty and staff convocation this fall and
end with a wrap-up event at the end of the campaign. This campaign is different from other
campaigns because it is driven by support from Washburn faculty and staff.
The faculty and staff campaign has been officially going on for about 12 to 13 years. This
is a great way to get the faculty and staff involved in supporting Washburn. “Their support
triggers other support from alumni and friends of the University,” said Megan Smith, director of
communications and annual giving.
When the alumni see that there are a multitude of faculty and staff investing back in what
they do, it just reaffirms the Washburn University Foundation mission and reason to support
Washburn. The Foundation wants everyone to get involved at any giving level. Every gift
donated is thanks to the faculty and staff’s hard work and loyalty.
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Last year’s campaign raised $117,000 and had approximately 34 faculty and staff
volunteers from both Washburn and Washburn Technology Institute. The committee is
comprised of three Washburn staff members and three Washburn Technology Institute staff
members. Megan Smith, director of communications and annual giving, said faculty and staff are
eagerly signing up for this year’s campaign. The campaign is run by the faculty and staff at both
institutions and it’s up to them to seek out donations. The faculty and staff are what really make
this campaign possible according to Smith and it’s always exciting to see how much is raised.
“They play a 100 percent role in how well the campaign does and always do a
tremendous job,” said Smith.
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Daphne Phillips
Word Count: 218
Sources: Megan Smith, x2757, Jalisa Loving ([email protected])
Headline: Students Dial in For Students
They clock in, wait for announcements from their manager and turns to face a computer
screen for the remainder of the night as they read the same script to potential supporters.
Phonathon callers for the Washburn University Foundation are currently dialing their
fingers off to update the demographic information of their supporters and gain donations for
Washburn.
As student callers they have the opportunity to see and hear how things happen at
Washburn from the funds donated by supporters. Students hear many interesting things from
calling supporters anything from “grandma is on the telephone” to “just add 44 cents to my bill
to pay for postage.”
The students making these phone calls are changing others lives. Thanks to dedicated
alumni and eager donors Washburn can give more to students. This money can lead to
scholarships, fellowships and funding for programs. With this money Washburn can grow to be
even bigger and better for everyone.
Students stay busy every night doing what they can to gather funds, inform and educate
supporters. With this year’s phonathon the hopes are even higher that money can be raised and
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