March is here, and that means approximately 4,000 university employees are receiving invitations to participate in the 2010 Employee Giving campaign.
Last year, employees came through with flying (Cougar blue) colors, setting a new record with 72 percent participation. This remarkable community response allowed hundreds of students to receive scholarships and mentored learning grants. Some of the scholarships made it possible for seniors to complete their education.
“The 2009 campaign was a remarkable milestone,” said Employee Giving committee chair Gene Larson. “BYU employees recognized that times were hard and that many families of students were struggling. But that’s when our donations have the most potential to really make a difference for someone.”
Members of the Employee Giving committee and many more volunteer representatives from colleges and departments across campus are engaged in the effort to contact every BYU employee.
“We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to give,” Larson said, “because the one who gives is blessed just as much as the one who receives.”
Larson wants employees to know that they can personalize their gift. “You can give to almost anything you want,” he said. “You can direct your gift to a specific scholarship fund, your own area or college, your child’s department or college, the college you graduated from, a mentored research fund, a building or project — you name it. Your gift can be a very personal commitment.”
For example, the Counseling and Career Center employees have been personalizing their gifts for the past seven years through a departmental scholarship, and they’ve achieved excellent results.
“Employee participation has doubled since the scholarships began,” said Kirk Dougher, the center’s director. “Awarding these scholarships is gratifying for both the students and theemployees.”
Employee Giving campaign posters, featuring BYU employees and students, are being displayed around campus. The employees this year are Lynette Bybee (Continuing Education), Ranny Lacanienta (Lee Library), Amanda Parker (BYU Broadcasting) and Shane Reese (Statistics).
All reply cards should be returned to the campus representative in your area by March 31. For questions or more information, call the Annual Giving Office at ext. 2-7933.
Writer: Rick Stockton
