A few weeks ago, I spoke to members of our Leadership Society, a group of annual donors whom we recognize each year for their loyal support. As you might expect, part of the goal is to make sure these alumni and friends—among them some of our own colleagues—remain excited about IUP and are compelled to continue their support. I told them that thanks to them and to members of our university family, private giving to IUP is on the rise and that we're seeing momentum like never before.
Think of it as a wave.
You know how when you go to a Steelers' or a Pirates' game and suddenly you see a few people in the section next to yours raise their hands in a wave? You never are really sure where that wave started—but, the next thing you know, a few people in your section raise their hands. You and others in your section might decline on the first pass, yet, somehow, enough people in each section decide to join in, and the next thing you know, the wave gets bigger and bigger.
Last year, we saw a 64 percent increase in the number of faculty and staff members who contributed to IUP through the University Family Drive. Your support creates the momentum we need to capture the attention of the outside world and convince them to invest in all the important work we are doing. More important, your investment in IUP helps students in some direct way—whether it's through a scholarship, program initiatives, or equipment. You know best, because you choose where your gift will be applied.
If you've already made your gift through the University Family Drive, I look forward to seeing you at a reception on April 13. If you haven't yet, I hope you will join Becky and me and invest in the important work we do and keep that momentum building.
Always, thank you for your hard work and your belief in all we do here at IUP.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Driscoll
President