NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

5/20/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Northwestern State University's Capital Campaign Inaugural raised more than $17,000 to assist students at the institution. According to Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Dr. Chris Maggio, the proceeds will go into the For a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Fund. The first scholarships from the Fund will be awarded to NSU students this fall. Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Northwestern purchased 475 tickets for the public start of the university's first capital campaign.

"We accomplished all of the goals for the evening," said Maggio. "One objective was to publicly kick off the campaign. People had heard about the campaign and we wanted to explain its purpose to them in a festive atmosphere. We also wanted to know about the work that is ahead of us over the next three years."

The NSU Foundation is seeking to raise $18.84 million in by the end of 2007 to fund scholarships, endowed professorships, endowed chairs, faculty research, the Athletic Department and enhance programs as well as university facilities. During the campaign's silent phase, $13 million has been privately raised.

"Those people who care about Northwestern have a great opportunity to step forward and help this university remain a vibrant four-year institution that has a positive impact on this state and the region," said Maggio. "We have received a positive response so far and look forward to meeting with people in the next few months to explain the importance of this campaign to the university."

During the inaugural, campaign co-chairs Dan and Lilly Chase of Baton Rouge, Saidee Watson Newell of Natchitoches and Charles and Linda Knicely of Shreveport were introduced. Honorary co-chairs Robert Harling of Natchitoches, Jackie Smith of St. Louis, Melba L. Steeg of New Orleans and Maj. Gen. Erbon W. Wise of Sulphur were also recognized.

Maggio emphasized that gifts of all size were important to the campaign.

"We appreciate the involvement of all those who want to help Northwestern move forward," he said. "A three-year campaign will give people a chance to help us in a significant way over time."

Contributions can be made on a monthly, quarterly, annual or one-time basis.

"Most people may not be able to give a one-time donation of $1,000, but could do so over time," said Maggio. "For example over a three-year period, a $1,000 donation works out to about a dollar a day. That's a goal many of us can meet."

Donations can go toward the "For a Brighter Tomorrow" Scholarship Fund, the "For a Brighter Tomorrow" Faculty and Program Enhancement Fund, the Athletic Scholarship Fund or other programs designated by the donor. Larger donations could go toward an endowed scholarship, a fully endowed scholarship, an endowed professorship or endowed chair.

Another option is planned giving, which allows the donor to remember the university in their will or to make a contribution at a designated time in the future.

For more information on NSU's Capital Campaign, call (318) 357-4414 or (888) 799-6486.

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