UW-Fox Valley Foundation
Dear Friends,
I am overjoyed. What a tremendous year the University
of Wisconsin-Fox Valley Foundation has had! As I look back on these
past twelve months and look up at the walls of the new UWFox Communication
Arts Center towering above the campus, I am pleased to report to you
several highlights in a year that exceeded our expectations in a very
challenging economy.
First and foremost, I am happy to report that our Communication Arts Center capital campaign has reached its goal of $2 million. The Grand Opening of the new building on September 12, 2009 was attended by over 300 donors including Outagamie and Winnebago County Board officials and numerous other individuals who were closely involved in the realization of this 30-year old dream.
A few weeks later the Community Open House attracted over 600 well-wishers. Everyone who has been in the CAC leaves awed and impressed by the beauty of the new building. Many activities have already been scheduled in the various venues in the building. You will be able to enjoy outstanding scholarly presentations, theatrical and musical performances as well as fine arts exhibits. Many of these activities are free of charge or cost a nominal fee and are open to the public. I hope that you will always feel welcome and come visit the new CAC often.
The Foundation’s sixth annual Scholars Eve was held on August 24, 2009 with 200 scholarship donors, student recipients and their families attending. A total of $133,000 in scholarships was awarded to needy and deserving students enrolled at UWFox for the 2009-10 academic year. These awards included eight new scholarships that the Foundation board members, in their foresight and wisdom, established thereby assuring that as many students as possible would receive financial support.
The Foundation Board of Directors selected Marne Keller-Krikava and J. Scott Plutchak to be the recipients of the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award. To highlight the significance of this lifetime achievement, the awards were presented during Commencement ceremonies on May 24, 2009.
It has been a wonderful year. The Foundation’s Board of Directors and I are deeply appreciative to everyone who has made it possible.
Our dedicated and hard working board of directors has certainly set the standard for our successful fundraising goal of $2 million for the Communication Arts Center by their 100% participation and their leadership gifts totaling nearly 25% of the goal. In addition, each board member continues to make an annual gift to help fund scholarships and necessary program and equipment needs that cannot be funded through the university’s budget. They have supported our annual signature fundraiser, Educational Assistance Through Scholarships, (e.a.t.s.), which raised over $50,000 again this year. In short, the board members have responded generously and enthusiastically giving of their time, expertise and resources. For that we are most grateful.
But they were not alone in support for our Foundation. We know that many hands and hearts played a significant role in making this past year-my first year as president-a success. The generosity of countless long-time donors who increased their support and numerous new donors brought our Communication Arts Center capital campaign to a successful close while continuing to support all our other programs.
We are also most thankful for our many volunteers-the Campaign Steering Committee under the leadership of co-chairs, Tod Galloway and Steve Seifert; the e.a.t.s. planning committee, chaired by Bev Harrington, the e.a.t.s. chefs and silent auction donors and all the students, faculty and staff who participated this year. These special individuals are always willing to lend a hand and go the extra mile to assure the Foundation’s success.
With your continuing support I look forward to leading the Foundation to another successful year in 2010. Please join me in taking pride in all our accomplishments and know they would not have been possible without your key involvement. Thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do to support our mission and especially for your help in making a 30-year old dream become a reality.
Gratefully yours,
Jerry Iverson, President
University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley Foundation, Inc.