Fall/Winter 2007

Hamilton campus launches 'Dollars for Scholars' program

By launching its 'Dollars for Scholars' program, the faculty and staff members of Miami University's Hamilton Campus are taking leadership roles in raising scholarship dollars for Miami University's Campaign For Love and Honor and specifically for the students of the Miami Hamilton campus.

According to Kathie Burgoon '66, a senior instructor in geography who is chairing the Hamilton Campus Faculty/Staff campaign, giving back to the Hamilton Campus is really a simple matter of putting your money where your mouth is. "When we go out into the community or to our alumni and friends to ask for support, they have every right to ask what we've given. It's important for us to be able to say we've done our part."

The Hamilton Campus Faculty/Staff Campaign comes in the wake of President David Hodge's announcement of the Faculty, Staff, and Retiree Endowment Program last spring. Through this program, past and present Miami employees can create a permanent, named endowment with a minimum gift of $10,000, payable over 10 years, which is matched by an additional $5,000 from the university.

The momentum created by Hodge's initiative already has generated 27 new funds supporting scholarships, graduate fellowships, study abroad programs, and more. Along with Burgoon, who has agreed to create three endowments that will receive the university match, the Hamilton Campus has received endowments from former deans Dr. Bernie Phelps and Dr. Jack Rhodes, and faculty members Howard Epstein and Ann Rypstra.

According to Burgoon, giving back as a Hamilton Campus employee is a natural progression. "Most of us have benefited and grown from our experience with the university. Now we're able to turn the tables and give back what we've received. It's a matter of loyalty and of investing in yourself."