Washington State University’s motto, “World Class. Face to Face.” vividly illustrates the nature of the work that faculty and staff do every day to make the university an outstanding place for WSU students. In addition, many faculty and staff choose to contribute financially to areas they feel are critical to the success of the university.
As the 2002 Faculty/Staff Drive kicks off this month, faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute to the areas of WSU that mean most to them.
This year’s drive is co-chaired by three people: Bob Nilan, former dean of the College of Sciences, representing retirees, Dick Law, representing faculty, and Char Grimes, representing staff. Each of them believes in giving back to the university in both personal and professional ways.
“There is so much satisfaction in giving to the university, if you’re happy with what you’re doing,” said Grimes. “I know that I feel good giving back.”
“I spent 45 years at WSU,” said Nilan, “and found it rewarding in all the areas I chose to pursue. There was tremendous support for me both in teaching and carrying out high-level research. When I moved into administration as the chair of genetics and dean of sciences, there was helpful support from students, faculty, staff and administration. All in all, WSU was a top-quality place to work and a grand adventure. The least I can do is ensure that the university can do the same for future faculty and staff.”
The chairs also point out that this is a great time to invest in the university.
“I feel optimistic about the future of WSU, said Law. “This institution is poised to take off. We need to make an investment in its future and leave the strongest possible institution for our younger colleagues and for the students of the future.”
“WSU’s leadership is good,” Nilan adds, ”there is great direction laid out in the strategic plan. This leadership will make the best use of the private support that is given to the university.”
Through the drive, faculty, staff and retirees have the ability to direct their support to the areas that are most important to them — their own department or college, Northwest Public Radio, public television, athletics, the Pullman Downtown Riverfront Trail Project, the WSU Veterinary Medicine Good Samaritan Fund or any other program.
If faculty and staff have questions about their giving options, they can contact their area development officer, the WSU Foundation at 335-6686, or go to
Most faculty, staff and retirees will receive a letter this week inviting them to contribute to the fund drive. People can contribute through a variety of methods, including payroll deduction and electronic funds transfer. One hundred percent of every gift goes to the area to which the funds are designated. Last year, 28 percent of faculty, staff and retirees participated in the drive. The goal for this year is to exceed that level.
