Parents get the call to help fund critical services

You might hear from these guys. Bradley Young,
left, and Logan Brown are students who call
families to raise money for the WWU Foundation.

Many WWU families can expect a call soon from a Western student raising funds to support critical student services at WWU.

Each year, Western students call families to ask for donations to the WWU Foundation’s Parent Fund, which supports the Career Services Center as well as other important student services that aren’t covered by tuition and state support.

For example, the funds enable the Career Services Center to offer resume assistance, career fairs, workshops and outreach to employers of WWU graduates.

The fund also supports the Leadership Advantage program, which provides students a wide variety of ways to develop their leadership skills.

“Western has some new leadership opportunities available to students and parents are eager to hear about them,” says Caitlin Holman, assistant director of annual giving. “We’re also letting parents know their gifts have helped purchase software so all students can document their leadership skills and experiences via an e-portfolio and resume.”

This year, the WWU Foundation hopes the “Phonathon” will raise $90,000 for the Parent Fund.

Student callers are asking parents who donate to check with their employers about matching gift opportunities, Holman says.

“Boeing and Microsoft employ hundreds of WWU parents and both companies match gifts made to Western,” she says. “This is a great way to make a difference.”

But reductions in the foundation’s budget mean fewer families will get a call this year, Holman says. Families who don’t want to wait for a call from a student may go to www.wwu.edu/give and enter “Parents Program” in the designation field. Or, call the WWU Foundation at (360) 650-3027.