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August 20, 2003

Jischke recognizes President's Council faculty, staff for generosity

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University President Martin C. Jischke today (Wednesday, 8/20) honored the nearly 1,000 Purdue faculty, staff and retirees who annually contribute financially to the university and are members of the President's Council.

"Council members have always played a significant role in Purdue's success," Jischke said. "We deeply appreciate our faculty, staff and retirees who understand that their support is vital to the success of our university and care enough to make such a generous commitment."

More than 250 of the President's Council members, who give at least $1,000 annually to the university, attended a luncheon in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom. Roger Blalock, associate director of Purdue athletics, will talk to attendees about the importance of giving both time and money.

"We, as a staff, more than anyone else, understand that our contributions not only improve our facilities and infrastructure, but also dramatically impact the lives of students," Blalock said. "I believe it is our obligation to help the university grow and improve, whether it be giving of our time or of our financial resources."

Carolyn Gery, executive director of President's Council and associate vice president of development, has been leading the council since its inception in 1972. Membership includes 7,074 households and more than 12,000 individual members.

"I think it says something special about the character of the faculty and staff who also make the commitment to join the President's Council," Gery said. "It is truly a testimony to their character that they give in their work here each and every day, but also care enough to make sure that this institution continues to grow and thrive."

Since July 1, 2000, faculty and staff have contributed  more than $22.8 million to President's Council. Faculty and staff support has increased  4.5 percent  in the past three years - with annual totals rising from $3.4 million in 2001-02 fiscal year to $10.2 million in 2002-03 fiscal year.

Writer: Jesica E. Webb (765) 494-2079, jwebb@purdue.edu

Sources: Martin C. Jischke, (765) 494-9708

Carolyn Gery, (765) 494-6902, cgery@purdue.edu

Shelley Opperman, assistant director of President's Council, (765) 494-7972, sopperman@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web sites:
Purdue President's Council home page
University Development home page
Other Campaign for Purdue stories

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Seaman, Rohrman to lead Campaign for Purdue effort in Lafayette


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