CASE Recognizes Presidential Scholarship Drive

President Kermit Hall's decision to forgo the pomp and circumstance of an official inauguration ceremony and spend the money instead on a student scholarship fund has been endorsed by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

 

During annual award ceremonies for CASE’s District VII, Utah State’s development office received a 2002 Award of Distinction in Special Events for organizing the dinner that helped launch the innovative scholarship drive in September 2001.The dinner capped a day’s worth of events that included the president’s first State of the University address and a showcase of student research and artwork.

 

The dinner not only highlighted the importance of the fundraising drive, but student skills. They did everything from the flower arrangements to the food preparation.

 

The president donated the first $10,000 himself.

 

"As of Dec. 5, 2002, our total was $750,000, including 200 contributions of $1,000 or more," said Jeannie Simmonds, who directs the university’s annual fund. "We received gifts from faculty, staff and regular contributors. And we received gifts from people who have never donated to the university before."