Southern Polytechnic State University
Faculty/Staff fund-raising campaign victory celebration
December 8, 2005
Remarks by President Lisa A. Rossbacher
As most of you know, today is John Lennon Day, the 25th anniversary of his death. In honor of his life and contributions, I have incorporated titles of songs that he wrote, either alone or with Paul McCartney, in my remarks. There is a special prize for the person who comes closest to identifying the correct number of song titles I use in my comments – closest without going over.
The count starts now. The prize will go to the person with the closest number without going over the actual number. If there are multiple winners, the names will all be announced and the prize will be awarded through a random drawing of those who are tied. Yesterday, I gave you the word that I was going to do this, so I hope you’re all prepared. Listen carefully, because there is not a second time.
You are here – we are all here – to recognize and celebrate the successful conclusion of the 2005 Faculty/Staff campaign.
Generating resources to support the University is a challenge. I know (I know), it’s so hard. So each year it feels just like starting over. But surprise, surprise, each year we some together and make it happen. We take it one day at a time, remembering that every little thing counts, here, there, and everywhere and we’ve done it again. My intuition tells me that, at this rate, it won’t be long before our Foundation resources will be at a level that we will never have to say “You can’t do that.”
Once again this year, I found out that the leadership of the people on this campus – every man and woman -- is invaluable in demonstrating to the broader community – alumni and Foundation Board members, other Foundations, and the corporate world – that we believe in what we are doing. That we love this University. That we can imagine clearly how great we can become.
How? does this happen? We can’t do it in isolation. Your leadership really illustrates the idea of power to the people. I feel like we’ve accomplished our goals with a little help from my friends. By working all together now, we have had another successful campaign.
I particularly want to thank the volunteers, who were prepared to say to their colleagues, “You never give me your money,” and to ask them to support this campaign. It would be easier for you to simply let it be, but you volunteers were willing to carry that weight and to persuade your colleagues to say “I will support this effort.”
Ask me why this faculty/staff campaign is important. It’s important because these contributions to the Foundation are tremendously valuable. They support our facilities -- steel and glass. They support our academic programs, whether that means a ticket to ride to a professional meeting or funding to be sure that the programs are getting better, remember that these contributions ensure that when students graduate and start down the long and winding road of their careers, they don’t have to wait before they begin contributing to their companies and the economy.
These funds also support student projects, like the Steel Bridge and the aerial robotics competitions. And even though the underwater robotics apparatus is not a yellow submarine, it’s still an important learning experience for our students. The Foundation and Alumni support these efforts. (I should have known better than to use something as obvious as the submarine reference!)
These funds support scholarships, too. Students know that there’s a place that provides help to make education possible for them and which encourages our alumni to say I’ll be back.
Now, I know that, even with all our fund-raising, money can’t buy me love, but do you want to know a secret? In my life, the people who give back are the people who get the most, too. I’ve got a feeling that many of you agree with me about that.
But hold on, I need to get back to my main point…which is to say “thank you” all again for your support. What you’re doing is incredibly important. I don’t want to the spoil the party, but I hope you’ll remember at least a few of the things we said today. Thank you for your wonderful support, and bless you for your contributions
The end