Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 464-4854
940 Second Street – Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu 
Web site: www.shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State University Celebrates National Philanthropy Day and Development Foundation Scholarships

             On Thursday, November 5, the Shawnee State University Development Foundation hosted “Gather on the Green,” an early evening under-the-tent cocktail mixer and barbeque feast in celebration of National Philanthropy and higher education scholarship giving.
            In 2008-09, the Development Foundation awarded 153 scholarships to deserving Shawnee State students totaling more than $180,000 in direct support for tuition and other expenses.
            President Rita Rice Morris headlined a brief program with remarks about National Philanthropy Day – a day established in 1985 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals to pay tribute to great people and contributions in the philanthropic community.
            “Despite the economy,” Morris said, “private gifts to U.S. colleges and universities climbed in 2008 to $31.6 billion, the highest total ever recorded.”
            Morris thanked those who contribute their time and money to support Shawnee State University. She also shared news from campus about several projects underway that are the fruit of such giving, such as a state-of-the-art motion capture studio and a $15 million University Center.
            She also announced that the Development Foundation had raised $665,414.12 in direct support of Shawnee State scholarships in the past sixteen months.
            Situated on the Alumni Green at the site of spring commencement, “Gather on the Green” featured old-time Appalachian string music provided by John and Janet Schomburg of Columbus and Kevin Edwards of Portsmouth. John is an accomplished fiddle player and 1973 alumnus of Shawnee State. Invited guests included the University Board of Trustees, the Development Foundation Board, University President’s Club members, and supporters of Shawnee State scholarships.
            University Provost Dave Todt, Dean of Professional Studies Jim Kadel, and Vice President of Student Affairs Jim Settle were also in attendance, together with members of the campus faculty. Twelve select students and their families who directly benefit from Shawnee State scholarships were also on hand to meet University administration, staff and donors.
            President Morris closed the program by giving thanks and previewing an exciting year to come.
            “Last year we concluded a wildly successful capital campaign,” Morris said. “It is now time to move from being ‘Poised for Tomorrow’ to embracing the future.”