FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2008

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Government Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

SSU’s capital campaign raises $11.4 million and counting

            The largest fundraising campaign in the history of the region has reached another major milestone.
            Poised for Tomorrow, the capital campaign for Shawnee State University, has reached 95.2 percent of its $12 million goal. Donations have come in the form of cash, pledges and planned gifts.
            A gift pledged by an anonymous donor last month brought the campaign total to just over $11.4 million.
            SSU President Rita Rice Morris said the success of the campaign is a demonstration of the community’s commitment to higher education.
            “Not only is this a show of support for SSU, but it is also a vote of confidence in the future of southern Ohio,” said Morris.
            Morris also credits the more than 100 campaign volunteers for the new milestone. “The commitment our volunteers have shown over these past three years has been extraordinary and I am so thankful for their participation in this important effort.”
            Susan Warsaw, Executive Director of Development, noted Poised for Tomorrow has raised more money than either of SSU’s previous campaigns.
           “Our last campaign raised $5.9 million and that was an amazing total. But now, we are on the brink of raising $12 million. I am truly humbled by the generosity and support of our donors,” said Warsaw.
            Poised for Tomorrow began with a “quiet phase” in April 2005 with a committee planning and executing fundraising activities. One year later, a campus campaign raised over $500,000 with 94 percent of faculty and staff participating – an exceptional number that helped spur community giving.
            This year’s President’s Gala, which will take place May 30, will be a celebration of the campaign.
           Campaign Co-Chair Frank Waller said that efforts are continuing to reach the goal before May to insure the event will celebrate a victory.
            “We are working on several major donations and many smaller donations. Every gift makes a difference, so we are continuing to ask the community for its support,” he said.
            Waller also emphasized that reaching $12 million was not the most important goal for the campaign.
            “The $12 million is very special and we’re excited about reaching that. But our overall goal is to see all the campaign initiatives funded so Shawnee State can take the next steps as a university of excellence for the region,” said Waller.
            Those initiatives include undergraduate research, new technologies, specialized studies, faculty development, scholarships, enhanced clinical experiences and an enhanced quality of life for the region.
            Anyone wanting more information about Poised for Tomorrow can call the Development Office at (740) 351-3284 or visit the campaign website at www.shawnee.edu/campaign.