2016 Foundation Report

CELEBRATING PHILANTHROPY

EKU FOUNDATION REPORT 2016

“Make No Little Plans” has become our mantra, and with your continuing support and generosity that is precisely what we intend to do.

2016 CELEBRATION of PHILANTHROPY SEPTEMBER 29

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BENSON It is clichĂŠ, but it is true: with every challenge comes opportunity. And what an opportunity we have here at Eastern Kentucky University to transform the educational experience and our campus for this and future generations of Colonels! At EKU, we simply are not going to allow continued declines in state support to limit our aspirations. Make No Little Plans has become our mantra, and with your continuing support and generosity that is precisely what we intend to do.

In fact, we are in the midst of some of our most ambitious initiatives in more than

half a century. The last two entering classes have been the best academically prepared in our history. Student retention and graduation rates are at all-time highs. Phase 2 of our New Science Building will open in January 2018, making Eastern the envy of our peers.

Two new residence halls and a new dining hall are under construction, scheduled to open in Fall 2017. A renovated student union and new recreation center are in the planning stages. A new Student Success Center, supported by an endowment for programming, opened in 2016. And the stunning new Turner Gate was recently dedicated.

Our many new and renovated facilities are most significant in that they serve as the

teaching and learning environment where our faculty and students interact, collaborate on research, and forge enduring bonds that will last well beyond our students’ years on campus. EKU is known widely for its dedicated faculty and a number of marquee academic programs. Continued investments in those people and programs that make our university great is what will enable our best possible future.

Dramatic increases in private giving over the past two years have provided critical funding for many of the initiatives and projects taking place on our campus. Philanthropy has become a truly essential resource, and we express our deepest and most sincere thanks for your gifts that make our success possible.

Thank you for your support, and Go Colonels!

Michael T. Benson President

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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CAMPUS REVITALIZATION IN FULL SWING “These improvements will transform the way members of the campus community learn, live and work together, and even change the way others perceive us.”

— Michael Benson EKU President

“Growth Happens Here.” It was the theme for the faculty and staff fall convocation at EKU, but no one had to attend the annual event to know the truth behind those words on the Richmond campus. For example: • Phase 2 of the New Science Building is on track for completion in June 2017. The addition, which will house the departments of Biological Sciences and Geosciences, will give EKU the largest such facility on any college campus in Kentucky.

• New Martin Hall and New Hall B, both financed by a publicprivate partnership, are expected to open in time for the Fall 2017 semester and provide two new on-campus residential options.

• A new Scholar House, in partnership with Kentucky River Foothills and others, is expected to be complete in Summer 2017. The residential facility for single parents will be located on the former site of Brockton apartments.

• A new 320-space parking garage, located adjacent to the Scholar House, is expected to open in July 2017. It is part of the same public-private partnership that is financing the new residence halls.

• Construction of a new dining hall, financed by Aramark Educational Services LLC as part of a 15-year agreement with the vendor, is expected to be substantially complete by late 2017.

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EKU HIGHLIGHTS

• Planning is underway for both a renovated student union and a new student recreation and wellness center, both financed by a student special usage fee. Construction should begin on the fitness center in Fall 2017, with an expected completion date of Spring 2019. Renovations to the student union should begin in Spring 2019, with completion expected in 2020.

• Carloftis Garden, near the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Park Drive and also part of the residence hall public-private partnership, is expected to be complete by next summer. The Garden is adjacent to the new Turner Gate, an attractive new pedestrian entrance near the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Barnes Mill Road.

• Completion of a second pedway, across the Eastern By-Pass near Alumni Coliseum, is expected in Fall 2017.

• Improvements in baseball and softball facilities should be in place for the spring seasons.

GRADUATION RATE DOUBLES IN SEVEN YEARS The four-year graduation rate at EKU has nearly doubled in the past seven years.

Of the freshmen who entered Eastern in Fall 2012, 29.7 percent graduated this year. The percentage has climbed steadily since only 15.7 percent of the Fall 2006 freshman cohort went on to graduate in four years.

The five-year graduation rate has increased from 33.2 percent to 45.3 percent, and the six-year rate from 38.3 percent to approximately 45 percent.

In all cases, the current rates meet (six-year) or easily exceed (four- and five-year) goals set by the Council on Postsecondary Education for the University.

“The latest graduation rate data is encouraging,” said Dr. Eugene Palka, associate vice president for student success. “We’ve come a long way, but we’ve got more ground to cover.”

Meanwhile, enrollment remains steady at approximately 17,000, a near-all-time high for the University.

EKU REPEATS AS MINORITY ACCESS AWARD WINNER EKU recently received the Minority Access Diversity Institution Award for the sixth consecutive year.

Eastern is one of only four universities in Kentucky to receive the award in 2016, and the only one to receive it each of the past six years. Earlier this year, the University also received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight into Diversity Magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

Eastern recently established the Diversity Office Scholarship Program to expand and enrich campus life by recognizing and supporting outstanding students from first-generation, low-income and various cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds with diverse interests, perspectives and life experiences.

EKU HIGHLIGHTS

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WITH DEEPEST AND SINCERE THANKS The recently completed fiscal year was the best ever for total fundraising at EKU, with $8.9 million in gifts and commitments received. It is only because of your support that we achieved this success, and it is you, our generous donors, to whom we offer this third edition of Celebrating Philanthropy, the 2016 EKU Foundation Report.

As you likely know, EKU has in many ways never been stronger. Our student population is at an all-time high, and these 17,000+ students came to us with the highest entrance scores and level of academic preparedness in our history. Even more importantly, our students are succeeding emphatically, with graduation rates at all-time highs. At the same time, a once-in-a-generation campus revitalization is refreshing the campus beautiful with more than a dozen new or renovated buildings and outdoor spaces. If you have visited campus recently, you know that we literally have a construction crane on every corner. Our progress is visible and the energy is palpable,

“The recently completed fiscal year was the best ever for total fundraising at EKU, with $8.9 million in gifts and commitments received.

It is only because of your support that we achieved this success.”

— Nicholas J. Perlick Vice President, EKU Development and Alumni Relations

with philanthropy playing a significant role.

And yet we face very real threats, the most significant of which may be the continued decline in support that we receive from the state. Philanthropy will be essential for EKU to continue the tremendous momentum that we are currently experiencing and to achieve the many bold aspirations that we have for our students, our faculty, and our entire university community.

During the 2015-2016 year, private support was directed toward a wide array of worthy and impactful endeavors, including student success, faculty and student research, new endowed faculty positions, scholarships, and the campus revitalization. Just a few of the many wonderful donor and recipient stories are enclosed, along with key data regarding fundraising and the endowment. We hope that you find all of this information to be helpful, insightful and inspiring.

It is with deepest and sincere thanks to all of our donors that we celebrate the 2016 fiscal year and look forward with great excitement to what the future holds for EKU! With gratitude,

Nicholas J. Perlick Vice President Development and Alumni Relations

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WITH THANKS

PRIVATE SUPPORT AT ALL-TIME HIGH In the midst of the most ambitious campus revitalization initiative

Donors supported a wide variety of projects, including faculty

in the institution’s history, EKU recently concluded a record year for

and academic initiatives, scholarships and facility construction and

private support.

renovation.

The University finished Fiscal Year 2016, with $8.9 million in gifts

— Michael Benson EKU President

Notable gifts included a $1 million pledge from Ron and

and commitments, a nearly 100 percent increase over the previous

Sherrie Lou Noel to support faculty and student research as well as

year. Included in the total were $4.4 million in cash and in-kind gifts,

an expansion of the University’s athletics strength and conditioning

a 10 percent increase; and $4.5 million in new multi-year pledges

center, a $1 million pledge from Maribeth and Louis Berman to

and deferred gift commitments.

support a combination of academic and student-focused initiatives,

“The need for private support has never been greater, and it is

“This is an exciting and pivotal time at Eastern, and it is because of the generosity of our supporters that we can confidently say the best is yet to come.”

a $500,000 gift from Paul and Deborah Chellgren to endow the

gratifying and reassuring to see our alumni and friends respond at

Chellgren Success Series at EKU’s new Student Success Center,

this level,” said EKU President Michael Benson. “This is an exciting

and an anonymous $1 million bequest for undergraduate student

and pivotal time at Eastern, and it is because of the generosity of

scholarships.

our supporters that we can confidently say the best is yet to come.”

WITH THANKS

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OMAR MEDINA

SCHOLARSHIP PAVES WAY FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS Omar Medina’s father was part of Fidel Castro’s rebel army and played an integral role in the eventual overthrow of the Batista government in 1959. As a result, Mr. Medina rose quickly in the Castro administration. Once he learned, however, of Castro’s abandonment of the democratic principles he promised and fought for, Mr. Medina fled the island by raft for southwest Florida.

Mr. Medina’s son, also named Omar, went on to earn a degree from EKU, where he also played baseball, and then to a highly successful legal career. In 2005, he received the Academy of Trial Lawyers Stephen J. Sharpe Award for his pioneering work during the Ford /

OMAR SALINAS-CHACON OMAR MEDINA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT EKU HONORS, DOUBLE MAJOR IN SPANISH AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

Firestone controversy and for his contributions to the safety features SUV drivers now enjoy.

For the younger Medina, a lifeboat today means higher education. He established the Medina Scholarship at his alma mater to help Hispanic students such as Omar Salinas-Chacon (see profile this page) with college expenses.

“I wanted to let them know that there is someone else like them who cares for them and is rooting for them to be successful,” Mr. Medina said. “Hopefully, recipients will be motivated to help others as well.”

His father works at a grocery chain warehouse, while

Recent summers have found Mr. Salinas-Chacon

his mother is employed as a kitchen worker with a

assisting with the Latino Leadership and College

fast food franchise. His brother attends the University

Experience Camp, an annual eight-day event held

of Louisville, where the family resides.

in partnership with Bluegrass Community and

So, for Omar Salinas-Chacon and his family, emigrants to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2001, no challenge is bigger than simply financing a college

Technical College and others. In fact, it was his first exposure to EKU in 2011.

In 2015, Mr. Salinas-Chacon was the only Kentucky

education. That’s why a $700 Medina Endowed

college student invited to the White House for a

Scholarship, awarded for his efforts to improve

celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Now he’s

diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion on campus,

helping others see the value of education as he

is so critical to the EKU Honors junior with a double

builds bridges of goodwill and understanding as an

major in Spanish and political science and a near-

RA at Telford Hall’s Global Village Living Learning

perfect 3.9 GPA.

Community, a blend of American and international

“For my family and I, paying for school is always a challenge,” Mr. Salinas-Chacon said. “The Medina Scholarship helps me stay at EKU, and allows me

students exploring together what it means to be a global citizen.

Little wonder why EKU faculty member Dr.

to receive a great education that will allow me to

Abbey Poffenberger said Mr. Salinas-Chacon ranks

go to law school.”

“among the top 1 percent of students with whom I have worked over the past 20 years.”

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SCHOLARSHIPS

PAUL AND DEBORAH CHELLGREN

ENDOWED GIFT SUPPORTS BOLD NEW STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVES Paul and Deborah Chellgren’s philanthropy has long been focused on higher education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. Chellgren, a member of the EKU Foundation Board since 2004, is the former chair and CEO of Ashland Inc. and currently

“What’s most important to us,” Mr. Chellgren said, “are programs

an operating partner of Snow Phipps LLC, a New York City-based

that help students succeed. This is where the ‘rubber hits the road,’

private equity investment firm, and chair of the Cascade Environ-

where lives are changed.”

mental Services LLC.

Their interests aligned perfectly in 2016 when EKU decided to

“Paul and Debbie have a great history of philanthropy within the

establish a Student Success Center to further the retention and

Commonwealth and beyond,” said Nick Perlick, vice president for

graduation of first-generation and minority students. The Chellgrens’

development and alumni relations. “As the Student Success Center

$500,000 donation endowed the Chellgren Success Series and the

was being conceived, the Chellgrens quickly identified it as a project

operating budget for the Center.

that matched their desire to help students in direct, tangible ways.”

“Giving back to higher education in the state of Kentucky has

Mr. Chellgren, who retired from Ashland in 2002 after 28 years of

always been important to us,” Mr. Chellgren said. “We’ve always

progressively responsible positions, received an honorary Doctor of

respected the role that Eastern has played – as a place of opportunity

Science degree from EKU in December 2005. Now the Chellgrens’

and as a place that understands its mission to serve its geographic

generous gift will help generations of future Colonels earn their own

region and broad constituency. We’re pleased and honored to

college degrees.

be able to endow this center, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to Eastern as the years go forward.”

​ ldo Garcia-Guinto, physics A and mathematics major, assists paralegal science major Kayla Shepherd with her studies at the EKU Student Success Center.

“We’ve always respected the role that Eastern has played – as a place of opportunity and as a place that understands its mission to serve its geographic region and broad constituency.”

— Paul Chellgren

STUDENT SUCCESS

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JOHN REVERE PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT MAKES MEN’S BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM RENOVATION A REALITY

EKU LIFE SKILLS COACH FINDS GRATIFICATION IN GIVING

Last year, the men’s basketball locker room was completely renovated, resulting in a beautiful and modern space for the team and coaches. The extensive overhaul included renovation of the locker area, team room with theatre seating, shower facilities, coach offices and reception area, and included new graphics and signage throughout the complex. The project was funded largely through private contributions. Similar projects are taking place or are planned for a number of other teams, with philanthropy providing a majority of the funding.

Once a coach, always a coach. And, for John Revere,

infectious energy he displayed on the gridiron, both

once a Colonel, always a Colonel.

as player and coach.

The former star football player who returned to

is going to make the biggest difference in you,

left the sidelines after the 2015 season, but he’s still

spiritually, economically and socially,” Mr. Revere

drawing the best out of young people and giving them

said. “It’s important that our young people under-

the tools for success. Today, Mr. Revere is a life skills

stand that higher education is directly related to their

coach for the University’s Office of Retention and

success in life. If you make the wrong choices today,

Graduation, designing “game plans” for first-generation

it will set you back 10 or 20 years.”

and minority students instead of running backs and

alma mater and long-time employer at every turn.

thicket of financial aid, poor study and time manage-

“If you are in a place of employment, you un-

ment skills, too-modest goals and, in the case of

derstand and believe in the purpose and mission of

many, a “lost identity” in unfamiliar surroundings.

that industry,” Mr. Revere said. “To not invest in that

But, in many ways, he’s still the same Coach passion for excellence, the same ebullient spirit and

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ATHLETICS & FACULTY / STAFF GIVING

That is why he continues to support his beloved

wide receivers. Instead of swarming defenses, it’s the

Revere, performing his new duties with the same

“What you do between the ages of 18 and 23

serve as an assistant coach for almost two decades

industry, to me, would be foolish. I get the distinct gratification of knowing that money was well invested.”

RON AND SHERRIE LOU NOEL

GENEROUS GIFT PAVES WAY FOR FACULTY-STUDENT RESEARCH AND NEW STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FACILITY The opportunity to participate in meaningful research with faculty

“The memories of friends and teachers who have influenced

mentors, even as an undergraduate, is one of the hallmarks of the

both of us will be with us throughout our lives,” Mr. Noel said.

Eastern Experience.

“The experience was great.”

The latest gift from Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel will enable more

A first-generation college graduate, Mr. Noel traces his

students to do just that, and help student-athletes compete at a

motivation to help future generations of students succeed to his

higher level.

very first day at Eastern. No one could have known it at the time,

The Noels, whose previous donations made possible the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity and the Noel Reading Porch, recently pledged an additional $1 million to EKU. The majority of

but it was certainly a momentous 24 hours in not only Mr. Noel’s life but in the history of EKU. Mr. Noel went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business in

their gift will help establish the Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel Research

1964 and begin a highly successful career as an industry executive.

Endowment, a $600,000 fund that will support faculty and student

Mrs. Noel attended Eastern for three years – they married while

research at the University across a variety of academic areas and

students – before embarking on a career as a medical technologist.

disciplines. In addition, $400,000 will be used to dramatically

She received a bachelor’s degree in general studies in 2011.

expand and renovate the athletics strength and conditioning center, a facility used by all men’s and women’s teams.

Nick Perlick, vice president for development and alumni relations at EKU, called the Noels “titans in the philanthropic history of EKU. We are humbled by their ongoing leadership and support.”

Graduate students Teya Everett and Alex Whittaker collaborate during a a biology lab.

“The memories of friends and teachers who have influenced both of us will be with us throughout our lives. The experience was great.”

— Ron Noel, ’64

RESEARCH & ATHLETICS

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COLONEL CLUB Colonel Athletics enhances the full collegiate experience, offering students with educational and personal opportuni-

DR. GERI POLVINO

ties in the stands, on the field of play, and beyond. Eastern Kentucky University supports over 300 student-athletes in their pursuit of academic, athletic, and personal excellence. The Colonel Club helps provide the resources necessary to maintain a first-class athletics program.

1,326

DONORS —————

$546,157.62 RAISED

GENEROUS GIFT FUNDS COMPREHENSIVE RENOVATION OF VOLLEYBALL LOCKER ROOM Under the direction of Dr. Geri Polvino, EKU women’s volleyball teams won a whopping 627 games, nine

EKU’s first volleyball coach,

conference championships and eight league tournament

Dr. Polvino has remained

titles from 1966 to 1997.

actively involved with

But that’s the past. The Ohio Valley Conference Hall of

Eastern. Her lifetime of

Fame coach is focused on the program’s future. That’s why

giving to the University

Dr. Polvino recently committed $100,000 to the University

encompasses a number

to fund a comprehensive renovation of the women’s volley-

of athletic and academic

ball locker room in Alumni Coliseum. Her gift will ensure

initiatives.

future Colonels have the same opportunity for success. In

ATHLETICS

Meanwhile, many of

recognition of her generosity, the renovated facility will be

Dr. Polvino’s players have gone on to coaching careers of

named in honor of Polvino’s family.

their own, including her successor and current head

The enhanced locker room, as well as a state-of-the-art video room, are expected to enhance the program’s ability

volleyball coach at EKU, Lori Duncan.

“My experience as a student-athlete at EKU under

to attract high-level student-athletes. “The women who

Coach Polvino was remarkable,” Duncan said. “I decided

share this space will go on to achieve extraordinary

to pursue coaching volleyball as a profession because of

things,” Dr. Polvino predicted.

Dr. Polvino’s leadership. She taught me the value of

Dr. Polvino’s “generous contribution will ensure that

10

Since her retirement as

teamwork, loyalty, integrity and generosity. She was and is

current and future volleyball players at EKU will have some

an exceptional coach, mentor and friend. Dr. Polvino will

of the best facilities... to consistently compete for champi-

always exemplify what makes EKU and our volleyball

onships,” said EKU Director of Athletics Steve Lochmueller.

program extraordinary.”

MATT EVANS THIRD GENERATION EKU GRADUATE EMPOWERS FUTURE BANKING INDUSTRY LEADERS As president, CEO and owner of Bankers Service Corporation, a bank consulting and auditing firm in Lexington, Kentucky, Matt Evans knows firsthand what skill sets are necessary to succeed in today’s banking regulatory environment.

That is why the third-generation EKU graduate established the Matthew A. Evans Endowed Scholarship Fund for finance majors at his alma mater who plan to pursue a banking career.

“My goal,” he said, “is to provide this scholarship to a student who will be a future leader in Kentucky’s banking industry.”

A Danville native who served as vice president of the Student Government Association before earning a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1991, Evans said his early work experiences helped him see the value of his Eastern experience. He helped launch Bankers Service Corporation in 1997, and today is working to help others enjoy “the same excellent experience” he had at EKU. Evans serves as chair of the EKU School of Business Advisory Council and is on the University’s Foundation Board, where he also chairs the Audit Committee.

He works with a large number of Kentucky banks and knows their challenges.

“Kentucky banks, especially the rural ones, struggle to find the skill sets from college graduates that they need in today’s regulatory environment,” Evans explained. “I believe I can bridge the communication gap between these banks and a potential supply of future bankers – EKU business graduates. I feel like EKU business graduates who participate in the banking program (Eastern’s finance program offers a minor in banking and financial services) will be wellequipped to help out Kentucky banks.”

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

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FISCAL YEAR-END DATA SUMMARY DATE

ENDOWMENT

GIFT RECEIPTS

EASTERN FUND

NUMBER OF DONORS

NUMBER OF ALUMNI DONORS

2012

$46,552,000

$2,565,000

$256,576

10,362

5,497

2013

$53,088,000

$2,632,000

$248,648

10,005

5,046

2014

$61,362,000

$2,756,000

$270,526

9,388

4,659

2015

$60,167,000

$4,144,000

$231,163

9,247

4,157

2016

$57,903,000

$4,027,000

$214,302

9,021

3,983

NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

AVERAGE GIFT BY YEAR

2012

2014

2015

2016

$248

2012

1000

2013

$263

2014

$294

600 $448

400

2016

$446

200

100

BY THE NUMBERS

200

1,041 861

800

2015

12

2013

300

400

500

650

$442,181

612

$336,557

542

$320,123

$624,793

$809,788

TOTAL GIFT COMMITMENTS 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$8.9M $8M

$6M

$4M

$2,820,000

$2,914,000

$2,882,000

$4,694,000

$8,944,000

BY THE NUMBERS

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$108,490

GIVING BY SOURCE

$761,210

2013

$282,364 $62,388

$1,417,129

$1,172,358 TOTAL GIVING: $2,631,581

$231,678

2016

$931,569

$141,385

2014 $1,178,177

TOTAL GIVING: $4,026,604

$346,800 $157,734

$1,045,237

TOTAL GIVING: $2,755,665

$332,160 $909,078

$366,412

2015 TOTAL GIVING: $4,144,361 14

$756,834 $143,701

$1,968,336

BY THE NUMBERS

$1,245,170

n Alumni

n Corporations n Friends

n Foundations

n Other

STUDENT ENROLLMENT 17,000

16,844

16,750 16,500 16,250 16,000 15,750

16,305 16,062

16,111

15,968

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES AWARDED 2,473 2,500 2,000

1,474

2,615 1,505

2,781

2,826

2,838

1,605

1,607

1,649

TOTALS

1,500 1,000 500

999

1,110

1,176

1,219

1,189

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

n Women

n Men

BY THE NUMBERS

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Turner Family at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, August 2016

CRAIG AND MADONNA TURNER TURNER GATE WELCOMES MEMBERS OF EASTERN FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME When their daughters were looking at colleges,

Mr. Turner said. And that’s the message behind

Craig and Madonna Turner noticed that near-

what it is hoped will become a new campus tradi-

ly every campus had a “lovely and welcoming

tion – the Big E “Welcome Walk,” during which

entrance,” many with a sculpture, gate or other

each year’s freshman class marches through the

popular defining feature.

Gate as a group, symbolizing their entrance into

So the EKU Board of Regents chair and his

the Eastern family.

wife, both 1975 Eastern grads, set out to ensure

President Benson, who passes Turner Gate

that their alma mater would have a gateway that

every day on his drive to and from work, said he

“equaled the beauty of the existing buildings” on

takes “enormous satisfaction that the extended

the Richmond campus. Turner Gate, made possible

Turner family name is inextricably linked to Eastern

by the Turners’ generous donation, is more than

for generations to come.”

an eye-pleaser along heavily traveled Lancaster

The gateway is just the latest example of the

Avenue. It has quickly become exactly what the

Turners’ generosity. They have supported several

Turners had envisioned: a gathering place for

other academics and athletics initiatives at EKU, in-

students to celebrate special occasions or events.

cluding The Arlington Classic fundraiser for the golf

The words inscribed on either side of the gateway – Wisdom and Knowledge on the side facing Lancaster and Purpose and Passion on the

teams, the President’s Research and Scholarship Fund and the Board of Regents Scholarship Fund.

“Our goal,” Mr. Turner said, “is to continue to

other – “epitomize how Eastern can prepare and

raise the bar for our students to excel here like no

instill in you to be someone and to be the best,”

other place.”

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CAMPUS REVITALIZATION

HAYLEY HANING EIDSON SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AVIATION-PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT MAJOR

“Leaving Your Comfort Zone Is Essential.”

That passion only grew throughout

That’s the title of one of Hayley Haning’s

her teenage years, and with it a deter-

earliest entries in her blog. It also sums

mination to “take on anything,” as she

up her life.

once wrote in her blog. “The opportuni-

She grew up in a town of 2,500 in northern West Virginia, two hours from the closest international airport. So Ms.

ties and freedom that flight brings sealed my decision,” Ms. Haning said.

But the extra financial burdens

Haning felt more than a little nervous

associated with an aviation degree can

when, at age 17, she traveled to Oshkosh,

ground many students and their families.

Wisconsin, by herself for Women Soar,

“Receiving the Eidson Scholarship has

You Soar Camp, a four-day event to

allowed me to continue to my flight

introduce young women to the limitless

training while following my dreams of

potential of aviation careers.

becoming a professional pilot.”

Today, Ms. Haning is flying high at

After graduation, Ms. Haning plans

EKU. Literally. And the Patricia Eidson

to continue building flight hours while

Memorial Scholarship is the fuel for her

working as a flight instructor. Then, after

dreams.

meeting FAA requirements, she will

The junior aviation-professional flight major from Shinnston, West Virginia, fell

“pursue a professional pilot position that best suits me.”

in love with flying as a seventh-grader,

Ms. Haning also hopes to use her

though it didn’t occur to her then that

education to serve as a missionary pilot

she might someday become a pilot.

and empower others, especially females, to pursue careers in aviation. Just as she was inspired to soar as a young girl.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

17

DAVID PERRY CREATING A LEGACY OF SERVICE

He followed in his father’s footsteps

providing a scholarship in the memory

twice – to the U.S. Navy and then as a

of my father and mother, I hope to

student at EKU.

continue the legacy of Eastern impact-

Now an area supervisor for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, David Perry wants to ensure

ing the lives of future generations who will go out and serve others.”

That certainly describes the many

that future generations of non-tradi-

military veterans who find a welcoming

tional students – especially veterans –

atmosphere on the Richmond campus.

have the same opportunity to achieve

“It is especially gratifying to me to see

their life and career dreams. That is

the commitment Eastern has made

why the two-time Eastern graduate

toward helping returning veterans find

(bachelor’s and master’s degrees in

a place at the University and enable

history, 1987 and 1989) has committed

the non-traditional student to ‘have a

more than $200,000 in current and

seat at the table,’” Mr. Perry said.

deferred gifts. His support has established the Martha Ruth and Hollis

Mr. Perry’s father served in the Navy during World War II and, thanks

Raymond Perry Memorial Scholarship

to the GI Bill, was the first in his family

endowment in honor of his parents.

to attend college. Years later, that

One of the key components of a

same combination of Navy life and

life well-lived comes in serving others,”

the Eastern Experience “opened up a

Mr. Perry said, “and Eastern is a

whole new world of experiences and

cornerstone of that belief, which my

opportunities” that the younger Mr.

father carried with him all his life. By

Perry “could never have imagined.”

18

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

MARTIN COBB

LEGACY SOCIETY ALUMNUS PAVES WAY FOR STRONG GREEK COMMUNITY Football and soccer aren’t the only contact sports at EKU. Just ask Martin Cobb.

Noting a “moral crisis” stemming from an over-reliance on technology for communication,

The Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends

Mr. Cobb declared: “It’s as though we’ve

who have provided for EKU in their estate plans.

forgotten how to be human. For that, I think

These charitable contributions greatly benefit Eastern

it’s more important now than ever that we

while often offering substantial tax advantages to

inculcate in our youth the very fundamentals of

the donors. The most common form of an estate or

what it takes to be an authentic leader. Yes,

“planned” gift is a will bequest in which a donor

leadership is a contact sport, and no amount

names EKU as beneficiary of a specific dollar amount

of texts or emails will ever have as great of a

or percentage of an estate. Other planned gift options

worldly impact than looking into the eyes of

include charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder

someone who needs to see and hear your

trusts and gifts of life insurance. A number of unique

concerns, and vice versa. In the end, it’s all

variations are possible with these plans, many of

about relationships. Always has been. And it

which provide donors with lifetime payments.

likely always will be.”

A 1996 marketing graduate, Mr. Cobb first learned that lesson as a Greek leader during

10

his years at Eastern and went on to serve the past two decades with Beta Theta Pi Fraternity’s Administrative Office in Oxford, Ohio – as director of expansion, the first director of its Men of Principle initiative, director of advance-

NEW COMMITMENTS —————

ment for its foundation and now as director of communications and editor of its magazine.

Wanting to ensure that future generations enjoy the same opportunities he did to “both succeed and, yes, fail,” Mr. Cobb, a loyal supporter of the EKU Foundation and the Eastern Fund, recently joined the Legacy Society. By naming EKU in his will, Cobb has set aside

$3,127,579

$50,000 to establish a fund in support of leadership programming at his alma mater that fosters the personal growth of young fraternity men and sorority women.

“Greek life defined my EKU experience,” said Mr. Cobb, who describes himself as a

PLEDGED

“small-town farm boy” from Nicholasville. “What better way to help ensure that EKU’s Greek community stays strong than putting in place an endowment fund that will provide annual resources for the Greek Life Office to conduct high-quality leadership programming.”

GREEK LIFE & LEGACY SOCIETY

19

COLIN REUSCH AND LINDSEY CROSS

HONORING THE PAST BY PAYING IT FORWARD The opportunities that Colin Reusch

and master’s degrees in 2007 and 2009,

and wife Lindsey Cross enjoyed as EKU

respectively, and Ms. Cross a bachelor’s

students “weren’t there by chance,” Ms.

degree in 2009.

Cross said. “They were there in no small

Ms. Cross worked closely with close

part because of people who supported

friend and college roommate Afsi

the institution, whether through financial

Siahkoohi to endow the Mary Roark

gifts or other involvement.”

Scholarship for Women’s Leadership,

Now the Washington, D.C.-area

honoring the second (and first female)

couple is doing the same to benefit

president at Eastern. The scholarship

future Colonels.

will support students who demonstrate

“We want today’s students and

a high level of student involvement and

tomorrow’s to have a rich college

interest of experience in furthering

experience just as we did,” Ms. Cross

women in leadership. “We are getting

said. “Supporting the institution shows

very close to reaching our initial

our gratitude for what Eastern gave us.”

fundraising goal for the award,” she

The two met at Eastern while

said, “and I’m very thankful to friends

involved with the Student Government

and members of the Eastern community

Association, and both move in govern-

who have supported the effort.”

mental circles today – Mr. Reusch as

In addition to supporting the Roark

senior policy analyst with the Children’s

Scholarship, Mr. Reusch has focused

Dental Health Project and Ms. Cross as

his giving on EKU Honors, which he

an analyst with the U.S. Government

credits with forcing him out of his

Accountability Office.

comfort zone and teaching him to

But their thoughts are never far

make “meaningful connections

from their alma mater – Mr. Reusch,

between concepts that might seem

who recently received a Young Alumni

unrelated.”

Award from the University’s International Alumni Association, earned bachelor’s

20

YOUNG ALUMNI GIVING

There’s no missing the close connection both enjoy with Eastern.

JAMES KIRBY EASTERLING

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBER AND EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE DECLARES IT A PRIVILEGE TO GIVE

The President’s Circle celebrates those dedicated alumni and friends who demonstrate their support of EKU’s mission and vision through leadership level annual gifts of $1,000 or more.

From 1992 to 2003, James Kirby Easterling earned three degrees from EKU, all springboards to a highly

199

successful corporate career with multi-national firms in the automotive, electronics and glass industries.

That included 14 years with Corning Inc., which he served as general manager for global supply chain management in Singapore and global planning manager for display technologies in Japan. Though he crisscrossed the globe, working in those and other locales, the Pike County native’s heart was never far

DONORS IN 2016 —————

from his alma mater.

He returned to Eastern in 2014 to help launch a Global Supply Chain Management program, today one of the University’s fastest-growing programs. But that isn’t the only way Mr. Easterling is serving the institution that years ago nourished his passion and ambition. He has also been among those who have helped the

$959,338.56

University reach all-time highs in private support.

“Supporting Eastern is not an obligation for me but, rather, a privilege,” said Mr. Easterling, who was

RAISED IN FY2016

recently presented a Distinguished Service Award by the EKU International Alumni Association. “I began supporting Eastern shortly after graduation, and have continued to do so for more than 25 years. I’m actually even happier to give now, as I can immediately see the impact of an aspiring student being awarded a scholarship, or helping enable a group of business students to attend a professional conference, or helping offset some of the costs associated with a student studying abroad.

“I think, too often, alumni and friends of the University think it takes a large donation to make a difference but, honestly, any gift makes a big impact.”

LEADERSHIP ANNUAL GIVING

21

MARIBETH MCBRIDE BERMAN AND LOUIS BERMAN “The Foundation Board is quickly advancing EKU’s culture of philanthropy.

It is such a pleasure to work with these talented and generous individuals on behalf of the university.”

—Maribeth McBride Berman Chair, EKU Foundation Board

OPENING DOORS AND IGNITING PASSIONS: COUPLE GIVES THE GIFT OF EDUCATION Growing up in Richmond and graduating from Model Laboratory

A portion of the Bermans’ gift will go toward a series of

School and then Eastern before joining the staff of the University’s

projects and initiatives important to the Louisville couple, to be

human resources office, Maribeth McBride Berman can’t remember

chosen in collaboration with President Michael Benson and other

a time when EKU wasn’t an important part of her life.

University leaders. Inclusive in their total commitment is a twin-

And though she no longer calls Madison County home, even this Louisville resident can sense the positive momentum at her

as well as a commitment to support the University annual fund in

alma mater. That’s why she and husband Louis have pledged

coming years. The remainder will be deferred as an estate gift.

$1 million to support a combination of academic and studentfocused initiatives at Eastern.

“Louis and I are excited to be involved with the transformation

but also in public lecture series, student organizations, intramural and varsity sports, and other activities that make up a total college

than being able to help provide the gift of education and then to

experience. It is our hope that portions of our pledge will go

watch the doors that open for a young person through that gift.”

toward programs that will ignite a passion in students – a passion

The Bermans are longtime supporters of EKU – Mrs. Berman is closely with the Risk Management and Insurance program.

“We believe in the power of a college education,” said Mrs. Berman, “and we believe that education isn’t just in the classroom,

going on at EKU,” Mrs. Berman said. “There is no greater gift

chair of the EKU Foundation Board, and Mr. Berman has worked

22

engine plane they recently gifted to the EKU Aviation program,

FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR

they maybe didn’t know they had.”

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Michael Benson EKU President Richmond, KY

Ernie House ‘78 Board Member London, KY

Maribeth Berman ‘92 Board Chair Louisville, KY

Thomas Martin ’93, ‘01 Alumni Board Representative Danville, KY

Gary Booth ‘62 Board Member Cincinnati, OH

Richard Mattingly ‘78 Board Member Potomac, MD

Don Bornhorst ‘87 Vice Chair Excelsior, MN

James Moore ‘73 Board Member Louisville, KY

Jane Boyer Board Member Prospect, KY

Mary Ousley ’74, ‘86 Board Member Richmond, KY

Paul Chellgren Board Member Ft. Lauderdale, FL

April Perry ’86, ‘96 Board Member Ashland, KY

Paul Collins ‘75 Board Member Hazard, KY

Ritchie Rednour Board Member Clay City, KY

Melissa Combs-Wright ‘00 Board Member Lexington, KY

Barbara Ricke ‘74 Board Member Lexington, KY

Troy Ellis ‘87 Board Member Ann Arbor, MI

Craig Turner ‘75 Board of Regents Representative Lexington, KY

Matt Evans ‘91 Board Member Lexington, KY Steve Hall ‘87 Board Member Union, KY

Gabe Uebel ’97, ‘98 Board Member Lawrenceburg, KY

Campus Stories

23

Friends of the Center is the annual giving group for the EKU Center for the Arts, the region’s primary performing arts and entertainment venue. The Friends of the Center provide sustaining support for the EKU Center’s educational outreach, fund improvements to the facilities to enhance patron experience, and bring a community of fun-loving, like-minded people together for amazing experiences.

Friends of the Center enjoy exclusive access to performance-enhancing benefits such as premier parking, meet-and-greets with performers, advance notice of shows, and early ticket purchasing opportunities.

371

DONORS IN 2016 —————

$45,863.37

RAISED IN FY2016 24

CENTER FOR THE ARTS & THANK YOU

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT YOUR ANNUAL GIFT SUPPORT HAS DRAMATIC EFFECT ON THE LIVES OF STUDENTS LIKE AMBER, JACOB AND MATT.

JACOB • CARY, NC COLLEGE OF JUSTICE & SAFETY Jacob is leaving no stone unturned at EKU, which is just the sort of quality you look for in someone who aspires to work in homeland security. When he realized he was short by two humanities courses, one of his professors suggested he explore study abroad opportunities. That’s how he ended up spending a semester in Oman studying Arabic, his costs completely covered by federal and university scholarships. He is learning how to stop injustice, has faculty mentors and peers who are building into his life, and is earning certifications crucial when looking for employment in his field. You get the sense that from here, Jacob can go anywhere.

HOW TO GIVE You can invest in EKU student success, academic excellence, or campus revitalization, with a gift or new pledge.

Please use the included envelope or visit go.eku.edu/give to make a gift by debit or credit card.

If you want more information about establishing a named scholarship or need instructions for specialized gift options (such as naming EKU in your will or gifts of real estate and stock), please contact us at:

(859) 622-1583

AMBER • WACO, KY

MATT • WARWICK RI

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Amber grew up in a small town close to campus, and she always wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps

He had a knack for sales and a passion for athletics,

and attend “the big school” in Richmond. When her

but he didn’t have a clear path to translate his talents

mom passed away during her sophomore year, her

and interests into a career. When his professor, Dr.

education professors modeled the kind of empathy

Rudick, asked about his long-term goals, Matt shared

and support that she longs to show her students

his dream to work in sales for an athletics company.

one day. Her clinical educator helped her refine her

She talked him through internship possibilities. He

teaching methods and nurtured her passion to make

pursued an internship with EKU Athletics and began

learning fun. When she graduates next fall, she will

building community relationships, selling group tickets,

have kept the promise she made to her mom to finish

and giving tours. A year later, he landed another

what she began at EKU.

internship with a local CBS affiliate, where he’s been

or email

giving @ eku.edu Find more stories about your impact at: development.eku.edu/impact

STAY CONNECTED @EKUalums EKU Alumni & Friends development.eku.edu

able to shadow an EKU alumna on sales calls and on-air interviews. EKU has given him the tools and opportunities to prepare for a career after he graduates.

HOW TO GIVE

25

Office of University Development and Alumni Relations CPO 19A Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Rice House, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102, (859) 622-8020 or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. 20202 1-800-421-3481 (V), 1-800-877-8339(TDD).

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