Seattle University’s faculty and staff are giving back to the school at exceptionally high rates, donating money to the institution in large numbers. According to research done by Helen Sernett, assistant director of Annual Giving, Seattle University’s faculty and staff had the highest rate of giving when compared to five other peer institutions—including Gonzaga University, University of San Francisco and Portland University.
In 2009, the University received $273,604 in gifts from faculty and staff across campus. Overall participation reached 32 percent, exceeding the school’s goal of 30 percent, a 7 percent increase from 2008.
Faculty and staff giving has always existed at Seattle U, but the formalized version, which took the form of the Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign, did not begin until six years ago. This year, a committee led by co-chairs Laurie Prince and Richard Cunningham served as stewards for giving, communicating to faculty to staff the importance of giving. Committee members serve as representatives in their specific schools on campus, advocating and soliciting to peers.
Albers School of Business’ drive for competition led it to a healthy 72 percent participation among staff. University Advancement came close to Albers with 71 percent participation with Athletics next came with 56 percent. Undoubtedly, the School of Theology and Ministry took home the prize of highest participation at an impressive 100 percent among faculty and staff.
“I find it really effective for the representatives to add their own voice and speak to their group,” said Helen Sernett, who oversees much of the campaign. “It is tellingly obvious that the messages that are effective coming from a School of Theology rep are much different than those coming from someone in the Albers School.”
Mary Rose Bumpus, assistant professor of Christian Spirituality, believes that a shared appreciation within the School of Theology could explain its high success rate.
“Folks here really see this place as extremely valuable in its contribution to the church and the world,” Bumpus said.
Bumpus also has personal reasons for her continued donations to the school since 2004.
“It became very clear to me my first year here that SU really does work to create a more just and humane world,” Bumpus said. “It was really driven home when I saw the University bringing Tent City here that this mission was really alive.”
In Feb. 2005, Seattle U served as the host to a local tent city that provided a home for homeless members on the school’s tennis courts.
This is one of the reasons Richard Cunningham, co-chair of the Giving Campaign, sees faculty and staff giving as so important.
“We live in an increasingly violent world that is really quite greedy,” Cunningham said. “We as a faculty have to send a message to the student that we are willing to give back to a school that is working towards a better world, in hopes of inspiring them to give as well.”
Laurie Prince, who has given to the university each of the 15 years she has worked here, decided to step up her involvement this year and become co-chair of the campaign.
“I know what it takes for students to be here, and I see how hard they work to be here, so supporting them financially is just one more way to help,” said Prince, director of New Student and Family Programs.
Prince hopes that the giving campaign sends a message to students.
“It’s kind of like ‘Hey, we believe in you!’ Not only are we here to teach, […] but we believe in the mission and the values that we’re all about together.”
Kelton may be reached at ksears@su-spectator.com.
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