PSU Foundation celebrates 30 years of excellence
Thursday, October 1, 2015 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
The PSU Foundation celebrated its past and announced the start of a new campaign recently at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts during its annual Presidents Society Dinner.
Cuff links and pearls were on full display during the black-tie event, which celebrated 30 years of excellence with decorations and songs from the late ‘20s and ‘30s.
“It is a night of reflection and celebration,” said Kathleen Flannery, interim president and CEO for the PSU Foundation. “So many of the wonderful advances we’ve made over the past 30 years have been made possible by the hard work of this foundation and the generosity its donors.”
The evening included a video tribute to the history of the foundation and special recognition by Pittsburg State President Steve Scott of individuals who helped make the night possible.
“It’s difficult to think of what Pittsburg State would be without the PSU Foundation,” said President Steve Scott. “Its support for our students and faculty has allowed this university to move forward when many others were forced to stand still.”
Since 1985, PSU Foundation assets have grown from $4.8 million to $85 million. Scholarships have grown from less than $400,000 to $3 million and new facilities include the Bryant Student Health Center, Robert W. Plaster Center and the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.
“When you stop to look at how far we’ve come in just 30 years, you can’t help but smile,” said Flannery. “Whether through scholarships, faculty endowments or facilities, the foundation and its supporters have improved the lives of generations of Gorillas.”
The foundation provided a glimpse at what the next 30 years holds for Pittsburg State when it officially unveiled its new “Proven. Promise. Pitt State.” capital campaign. The three-year, $55 million campaign has four goals: Scholarships, Faculty, Programs and Facilities.
“This campaign’s primary goal is to reduce or remove the financial barriers that keep some of our very best students from achieving their dreams of a college degree,” said Flannery. “The additional goals will help ensure that Pittsburg State is able to offer students and faculty the very best academic environment.”
One feature of the new campaign is a plan to renovate and expand the university’s Kelce College of Business. The college, which is nationally recognized for its academic programming, is currently housed in a building that previously served as a high school.
“We have the very best faculty and students,” said Flannery. “Now it’s time to provide them with the very best facility.”
Full details of the “Proven. Promise. Pitt State.” campaign are available at giveto.pittstate.edu. Those wishing to become involved or who have questions can contact the PSU Development Office at 620-235-4768.