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As
you look at the list of names in that report you will see that our alumni
are ready, able and willing to step up support for their alma mater. The
2003-04 UWGB Alumni Phone-A-Thon experienced an increase of nearly 20 percent
in dollars received along with an increase of nearly 17 percent in donors.
Community members supporting the University also increased by seven percent.
The Phoenix Fund, which supports UW-Green Bay athletics, experienced record
growth with an increase in donors of 20 percent and in contributions of
13 percent. Our newest success story is the Phuture Phoenix Philanthropists,
a membership group whose charter year membership included nearly 100 supporters.
I am proud to note that Phuture Phoenix, a program that encourages youngsters
to consider a college education, recently received the state’s first
Ann Lydecker Award for diversity efforts. The Annual Report will also include a brief first report on our capital campaign. This campaign is critically important to the future of our University as it will enable us to attain a new level of excellence. I firmly believe strong leadership and the commitment of our alumni and friends will allow us to reach our goals of building a new Student Sports and Events Center and enhancing our academic programs. I feel very privileged to work with outstanding volunteer leadership in campaign co-chairpersons Tom Olson and Ginny Riopelle, honorary co-chairs Betsy Hendrickson and Ed Weidner, and special volunteer Mike Meeuwsen. As many of you are aware, the early focus of our efforts has been identifying private support for a new Student Sports and Events Center. It is a $32.5 million project that is designed to meet the everyday student experience needs of the general student population while at the same time enhancing the University’s ability to offer the best in Division I athletics. The expansion will include new cardio-exercise facilities to help meet the health and wellness needs of students and community patrons. It also will include the construction of a new facility that will provide seating for 3,000 to 4,000 for functions such as commencements, convocations, student concerts and programs, and women’s basketball and volleyball games. The total cost of the project is $32.5 million and virtually 75 percent of that has already been raised. UW-Green Bay students have committed $15 million in additional fees while the State of Wisconsin has approved $7.5 million. The remaining $10 million will come from private contributions. However, UW-Green Bay must raise $7.5 million in private support by December 31 of 2004 in order to receive the $7.5 million appropriated by the state. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaTOP OF NEXT COLUMN |
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Our
fundraising efforts are in the leadership gift phase, but we are quietly
approaching our target. (Every person who has toured the current sports
center has agreed that we have terrific need.) Another selling point has
been the depth of the student financial commitment. The public phase of
the drive — perhaps including a brick sale or a sponsor-a-locker
campaign — will be launched next year. It will invite wider participation
by alumni, Phoenix fans and other friends. |
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