California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

    Annual Fund supports CLU way of life

    Dressing up for pumpkins: Students participate in Philanthropy Friday. The Philanthropy Council is promoting its annual pumpkin drive, which raises money for the annual fund. Photo by Kine Rossland - Staff Photographer
    Dressing up for pumpkins: Students participate in Philanthropy Friday. The Philanthropy Council is promoting its annual pumpkin drive, which raises money for the annual fund.
    Photo by Kine Rossland – Staff Photographer

    Every school or business needs a steady flow of income to continually work towardย  specific goals of that establishment. California Lutheran University is no different in that it must receive money, or gifts, in order to provide advantageous resources for the students, faculty and facilities alike.

    โ€œWe basically bridge the gap of expenses of mainly students and the university as a whole,โ€ said junior Jamin Watson, an employee for the Annual Fund.

    These resources range from financial aid or scholarships to modernized and more advanced technology.

    โ€œTechnology is a big factor. Not only do buildings need to be equipped with cutting edge technology but having tools such as modern technology isย  huge in the learning environment,โ€ Watson said.

    These funds are not only generous but significant in providing students with the best possible learning experience. The Annual Fund is a vital piece of funding for the university and as long as people continue to donate, there will be great academic opportunities for present and future CLU students.

    CLU is very successful in raising money annually for the education of its students as well as for the continual growth of facilities and the campus.

    For one, there are a number of methods in which the Annual Fund goes about raising funds. The bi-annual Student Phonathon is a way of getting in touch with current and potential donors. It forms consistent and positive relationships with them to emphasize the importance of the Annual Fund.

    โ€œUnlike other programs looking for donations, the Student Phonathon is a very efficient program who takes pride in their work by forming positive relationships with the people theyโ€™re calling and we have fun doing it,โ€ said junior Jake Scott, an Annual Fund employee.

    The fall and spring phonathons from last year raised more than $307,000 combined, according to the CLU website.

    Other ways of giving involve mailing a check, calling the Annual Fund office or going to the website and making a donation.

    The Annual Fund provides the donor the option to choose the field or area of the university where they would like their donation to be applied.

    For as many methods as the Annual Fund uses to raise money, there are just as many types of donors who continually support CLU with their donations.

    The alumni donationsย  represent the most significant percentage of the current fiscal year, which starts June 1 and ends May 1 of the following year. But, there are other sources from which donations are received.

    โ€œThe main donators year in and year out tend to be the alumni, corporations and current and former parents,โ€ Scott said.

    โ€œI myself donโ€™t donate, but I know that my parents do,โ€ said senior Chris Cabrera of the Annual Fund. He went on to add that he thought it was important to have an Annual Fund especially pertaining to the students who need financial aid to attend CLU.

    A potential donor also has the option of choosing the amount of money they donate. The annual fund has multiple โ€˜Circlesโ€™ that are essentially club memberships a person is included in depending on the amount of money they donate. These โ€˜Circlesโ€™ include rewards received ranging from a subscription to the CLU magazine to private lunches hosted by the university president.

    The continual financial support of CLU provided by the donors who are associated with the Annual Fund is crucial. Last year the Annual Fund raised over $740,000 according to Scott, and the Annual Fundโ€™s website shows that it has already raised $257,000 this year.

    The cycle of producing funds through numerous methods, like telethons and gifts, are vital for the continuing success of the university. As long as the Annual Fund continues to function successfully, the students of CLU will continue to receive the best education and academic opportunities possible.

     

    Kevin Post
    Staff Writer
    Published Oct. 23, 2013