Final Year of Cornerstone: an update on the Cornerstone Campaign
by Jared Schiel and Kassidy Knowles
When the Cornerstone Campaign, a three year project, began in 2009 it was described as being “ambitious.” As the campaign enters its final year, yet still ambitious, it can now be easily dubbed prosperous as well. In June of 2011 it was announced that the campaign surpassed the $57 million mark quickly approaching the initial goal of $60 million by 2012, which consists of $30 million in cash gifts and $30 million in deferred commitments. “We want this final year to be the Cornerstone’s finest. In June of 2012, we want to announce that we have not only reached the $60 million goal, but we have gone far beyond that mark,” said FHSU Foundation CEO, Tim Chapman.
This year, Fort Hays State University announced another enrollment record with the number of students exceeding 12,000 and four new capital projects, including a new residence hall and academic building. This all comes at a time when state funding is stagnant and public donations are more important than ever. Fort Hays is already a flourishing university, but with the help of the Cornerstone Campaign over the past couple of years FHSU will be able to present to its faculty, students, and charitable donors a modernized campus and continued growth of the student body without cutting substantial costs.
As if giving to the University was not sufficient enough, tax credits for the on-going Picken Hall renovation are available to the end of 2012 and continue to offer an opportunity to make a sizable contribution at a minimum expense. With a $10,000 contribution to the Picken Hall project, Kansas residents become eligible for a $4,500 reduction in Kansas state tax. All U.S. residents may also claim a potential reduction in federal tax of $3,000 depending on their tax bracket. “That means you can make an annual gift of $10,000 at a cost of just $2,500,” Stehno said. With an investment at certain levels, alumni and friends will also have the option to attach their names to spaces in the building such as office suites, individual offices, conference rooms and new lobby areas. See the complete list of naming opportunities at foundation.fhsu.edu, or call the Foundation at (888) 628-1060.
The final year for The Cornerstone Campaign has commenced and is steadily on its way to reaching the $60 million goal and then some. Much has been accomplished, but the needs are still great. New funding will support a range of initiatives: endowed faculty positions, scholarships, equipment and laboratories, campus technology, athletic programs and renovations. Explore ways to contribute to areas of need within the university. Find your passion. Contact the FHSU Foundation about opportunities to support the final leg of The Cornerstone Campaign, the campaign for Fort Hays State University.
