Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to the Marion VanNostrand Scholarship for Women in the Sciences from a friend:

"Because this scholarship is important to me."

A gift to the Western Men's Soccer Alumni Scholarship from an alumnus:

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to Career Services from a WWU parent:

"Very grateful for the dedication and commitment and love of students of the WWU faculty and staff to the WWU students."

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to the Music Department from an alumnus:

"The wedding of former college roommate. She and her fiancé are former WWU music students and have set up a charity registration for their wedding. This is in memory of their union."

In celebration of this year’s Campus Campaign, we’d like you to take a moment to view the online version of our Honor Roll of Donors. It’s our way of saying thanks to all of those current and retired faculty and staff of Western who, in addition to giving their expertise and knowledge to WWU students on a daily basis, have made a financial commitment to Western. Thank you! Your support is critical to the university’s continued success.

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift from a WWU staff member and alumnus to the campus enrichment fund:

The SPED Intern Scholarship was created in 2008 by Kris Slentz, Keith Hyatt and Ken Howell, three faculty members from the Western Washington University Special Education Department. This scholarship supports Special Education students who are in their internship quarters.

After watching students struggle to manage internship and work over the years, Kris Slentz and two of her colleagues saw an opportunity to make a real difference.

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to Fairhaven student scholarships from a faculty member:

"In honor of Fairhaven’s 40th Anniversary Celebration."

A gift to WWU track and field/cross country from a family member:

Curious about where Western Washington University put their money when they're giving to the WWU Campus Campaign? Check out this chart from the Western Foundation (click on the image to enlarge).

The 2010 Campus Campaign is going on now. Monetary donations via payroll deduction or one-time gifts may be set up at http://www.wwu.edu/give. For more information on donating during the campaign or any time of year, contact Caitlin Holman, assistant director of annual giving, at (360) 650-3274 or caitlin.holman@wwu.edu.

Tod Leiweke, CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment – Paul Allen’s management organization for the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trailblazers, and Seattle Sounders FC – will be the keynote speaker during Western Washington University’s 13th Annual Seattle Business Forum luncheon on Friday, May 7 at the Sheraton Hotel Grand Ballroom in downtown Seattle.

Doors will open for the luncheon event at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is served at noon, with Leiweke’s’s keynote address at 12:45 p.m.

The Minority Employee Council is a vital organization that has existed for many years on the Western Washington University campus.

Since the arrival of President Bruce Shepherd, the Minority Employee Council has been busy organizing and presenting recommendations to create a more inclusive environment and affirming experience for faculty and staff of color and for all other members of the university community.

We are pleased to kick-off Campus Campaign 2010, Western’s annual faculty and staff fundraising drive, which will run through June 30.

To those of you who currently donate to WWU, please accept our heartfelt thanks! If you have not yet had the opportunity to make a gift to Western we hope you will consider a gift this year. The difference we can make when we join together to support students is phenomenal.

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to Huxley College History Project from an alumnus:

"My education at Western Washington University gave me the seeds to tackle the greatest challenges of my life. Rarely a day goes by that I don't appreciate what I gained at Western and Huxley College."

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to Art Department scholarships from an alumnus and WWU employee:

William S. Ayer, chairman and chief executive officer of Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Air Group, was the keynote speaker at the ninth Annual Western Washington University Bellingham Business Forum on Thursday, March 18, at the Hotel Bellwether ballroom.

At Alaska Airlines, Ayer, 55, leads the nation’s ninth-largest airline, with more than 10,000 employees, 59 destinations served and more than 110 aircraft.

Gifts come to Western Washington University for many reasons and from many supporters. Each week, in celebration of Western Wednesday, we will be providing just a snapshot of some recent gifts and quotes from the donors to answer the question "Why Western?"

A gift to the Parents Fund from a parent:

"...in support of a great school providing our daughter with a great education."

A gift to Men's Golf from an alumnus who works at Western:

William S. Ayer, chairman and chief executive officer of Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Air Group, will be the keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Western Washington University Bellingham Business Forum on Thursday, March 18, at the Hotel Bellwether ballroom.

At Alaska Airlines, Ayer, 55, leads the nation’s ninth-largest airline, with more than 10,000 employees, 59 destinations served and more than 110 aircraft.

Last week, Western Washington University gardeners planted a Coast Redwood tree near the bird sanctuary and a Spanish Fir tree near the Fine Arts Building. The trees are part of an effort to replace trees damaged by recent windstorms and to diversify the collection of trees on campus. Both were paid for from a tree fund started by retired professor Myrl Beck. Take an online tour of campus trees at http://www.wwu.edu/treetour/.