Indiana University East presented two awards, one to IU East faculty and staff and one to the Wayne County Foundation, for their generous support of the campus and its students during the annual Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon held October 17 at Forest Hills Country Club. Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Rob Zinkan presented the awards.

The first award recognized the faculty and staff at IU East for their generous support of students and embodiment of the Spirit of Philanthropy. The award was accepted by Cathy Foos, associate professor of philosophy and representative of the University Faculty Council; Tom Avery, distance education advisor and president of Professional Council; and Marcia Sloan, technical specialist for the Campus Library and president of Staff Council.

“At IU East, we say that giving starts at home, and our faculty and staff epitomize this. They believe so strongly in the work that they do, that each year 85 percent of the faculty and staff make a personal financial contribution to the campus,” Zinkan said. “Through their generosity, faculty and staff understand the very powerful statement their giving makes to our alumni and friends in the community about the importance of private support to IU East.”

The Wayne County Foundation was recognized for its partnership with IU East to support a variety of programs and initiatives over the years to enable the campus to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of the local communities. Executive Director Steve Borchers accepted the Spirit of Philanthropy Award on behalf of the Wayne County Foundation.  The award recognizes those who have a profound impact on the university’s growth and development through their gifts and voluntary service.

The Wayne County Foundation has also provided a $20,000 matching gift to Indiana University East for the capital campaign, “Bold Aspirations: The Campaign for the Student Events Center,” matching dollar-for-dollar gifts from IU East faculty and staff, who have met that match and provided over $25,000 to date for the Student Events Center.

“We are grateful for the gift from the Wayne County Foundation,” said Stephanie Hays-Mussoni, director of Gift Development. “The Wayne County Foundation’s mission is to foster and encourage philanthropy and to improve our community, and both of these are being achieved through the foundation’s generous matching gift to the Student Events Center capital campaign.”

The Student Events Center will be a $4.7 million multi-purpose addition to Springwood Hall. The facility will promote student success through a comprehensive offering of co-curricular opportunities. IU East has committed $3 million to the project from savings and efficiencies created over the past few years. The philanthropic goal is $1.7 million. IU East has received more than $1.2 million to date in donations toward the capital campaign.

The Bold Aspirations campaign was announced during the Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon.

For more information about “Bold Aspirations: The Campaign for the Student Events Center,” contact Director of Gift Development Stephanie Hays-Mussoni at (765) 973-8331 or email shaysmus@iue.edu.