In 2008 the BYU Employee Giving Program introduced “I’m Investing in BYU” as its campaign theme. The message resonated positively with the campus community and a record 67 percent of employees joined forces to support the university, donating $923,000, which organizers viewed as a tremendous accomplishment.
As the campaign gets under way, this same theme will promote action once again. Employees can choose to directly support their passions on campus: students, academic research, college priorities, or athletics. The options are limitless.
A unique focus in 2009 encourages employees to consider investing in BYU scholarships. According to President Cecil O. Samuelson, funding need-based scholarships is now a major priority because more students than ever are applying for financial assistance.
“I am deeply pleased whenever I hear of a student who has received the benefit of employee donations," Samuelson said. "These scholarships are engaging and employees support them because they feel they are contributing to their own community.”
Several departments have chosen to establish their own scholarships, inviting employees to fund them. The idea proved instantly popular with Grounds Services, which created one such scholarship. At the conclusion of the campaign, Grounds employees were able to award their first scholarship to Kurt Elder, one of their own student employees.
Similarly, Print and Mail Services introduced the Student Appreciation Scholarships program to its employees in 2008. The results were phenomenal and employees gathered for an emotional ceremony where six student employees were given $500 scholarships.
“Even though money is tight, our employees feel strongly about helping out some of our incredible students," said Doug Maxwell, Print and Mail Services director. "I feel that we have started a successful program that will continue far into the future.”
Employee Giving Program campaign director Darla Seamons hears from students all the time who express their appreciation for employee-funded scholarships. Recently a student wrote, “I am grateful for those employees that have sacrificed and made this scholarship possible.”
"As evidenced by positive feedback from grateful students, every investment, whatever the amount, blesses a life in a very significant way," said Seamons.
"There is great anticipation for the 2009 campaign. Employees should be on the lookout for their giving mailers in early March and deliver their reply cards to their department representative by March 31," she said.
For more information, call the Annual Giving Office at ext. 2-7933.
Writer: Rick Stockton
