7.15.18
Campaign gifts boost scholarship funds by 50 percent
Campaign gifts boost scholarship funds by 50 percent
The Shock the World Campaign already is having a significant impact on scholarships awarded at Wichita State University, with total awards increasing by nearly 50 percent five years into the seven-year campaign.
That increase reflects just scholarships that were fully endowed in the past fve years. Many scholarship pledges are still being fulfilled and will begin producing awards once fully endowed, making an even greater impact.
In the coming academic year, endowed scholarships will produce awards totaling almost $3.4 million, an increase of $1.1 million over the $2.3 million produced in fiscal year 2013, the year before the campaign began. This represents an increase of 49.6 percent. In the past five years, the number of scholarships endowed by donors has increased to 866, from the 725 that existed when the campaign began.
“We are hitting the mark on one of our top campaign priorities – increasing scholarships – and our students are the beneficiaries of this amazing generosity,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO.
The Shock the World campaign includes a goal to raise $41.4 million for endowed scholarships, with $41.7 million already raised. Endowed scholarships are important because they produce awards in perpetuity.
The campaign also established a goal of $41.7 million for current scholarships, which provide awards until the donated amount is gone. So far, $32 million has been raised for current scholarships.
In the final two years of the campaign, increasing scholarships for students with financial need will be a priority so that WSU can better help low-income individuals realize their full potential through higher education.
Scholarships and the lives they touch
Four of the scholarships endowed since the launch of the Shock the World Campaign
Daniel Saunders, 22
|
Career goals: Campus involvement:
“The financial crisis took a large chunk of my parent’s savings. Thanks to my scholarship, it became realistic for me to not only afford school, but also study seriously and finish on time.” |
Jennah Minnick, 21
|
Career goals: Campus involvement:
“It’s allowed me to place a greater focus on my academics, rather than having to work more hours or take out extra loans. I currently am working two jobs to help afford college and also pay for extra expenses such as taking the MCAT and medical school applications.” |
Joshua Villa, 30
|
Career goals: Campus involvement:
“I live paycheck to paycheck, just like most students. Without this scholarship, I don’t know where I would be or if I would have finished school. I am very thankful!” |
Karishna Bhakta, 24
|
Career goals: Campus involvement:
“One day I hope to be able to aid other students who are in need. I want to show them what this scholarship has showed me – that everything is possible and there are people who believe in you and want you to succeed.” |
Share