As students fill hallways and classrooms signaling the start of another semester at the University of Lethbridge, their presence begs the question: have you made your contribution to Supporting Our Students (SOS) yet this year?
The new 2012/13 SOS campaign Co-Chairs, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD '06) and Judy Jaeger, are interested in your answer as they prepare to launch this year's campaign.
"The students are back and they need our help," says Jaeger, manager of caretaking services and a long-time supporter of the campaign.
The campaign, which will officially kick off at an event on Wednesday, Sept. 19, has a strong history of support at the U of L. Since its inception in 2005, more than 650 University faculty, staff and retirees have contributed more than $1.5 million toward student scholarships and bursaries.
"This type of support sends a strong message to students," says Doan, a professor in kinesiology and physical education. "It shows them that the people who work here are willing to personally invest in their success."
Through their work on campus, both Doan and Jaeger interact with students regularly and have seen the difference scholarships and bursaries can make. These Co-Chairs insist, though, that it's not only students who benefit from the campaign – faculty and staff have a lot to gain by making a gift.
"Working here isn't about punching in and punching out. This really is a community and everyone has a role to play," explains Doan, who maintains faculty and staff have tremendous influence. "Giving is a great way to help strengthen our community and ensure that your own personal values and interests are represented here."
Jaeger notes that her own gifts have allowed her to support students like those who work in her department.
"We have a lot of students who work casually or even part and full time," says Jaeger, who established a bursary a few years ago to help students in financial need. "I see how they struggle and how hard they have to work to make ends meet."
For faculty and staff considering making a gift, Doan offers a word of advice: "Find an area that's meaningful for you and support it. Contributing to the campaign helps students, but it also creates a sense of community on this campus that we all benefit from."
For more information on Supporting Our Students or to make your contribution today, visit www.uleth.ca/giving/supporting-our-students. Make your 2012 gift by September 28 and you will be entered into a draw to win a prize from the U of L Bookstore.
This story first appeared in the September 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.