WWU Faculty and Staff Create "Western Gives & Grows" Endowment

May 31, 2017

Just over a year ago, a few inspired employees had a vision to encourage and support Western Washington University’s faculty and staff by creating the Western Gives & Grows Endowment. The intent of the endowment is to provide support to the Western community, ensuring it will continue to thrive.

Western Gives & Grows aims to provide for Western’s faculty and staff as they:

  1. Celebrate achievements, community, new employees, and retirees
  2. Support each other through tragedy and grieving
  3. Grow as individuals and professionals through training

 

The Western Gives & Grows Committee has the honor of reviewing and recommending requests from Western faculty and staff to celebrate, support, and encourage growth opportunities.  In addition to providing funding in response to staff and faculty requests, the committee will connect individuals with resources which are already available across Western Washington University.  The committee is comprised of WWU Faculty and Staff including Committee Chairperson Chyerl Wolfe-Lee – Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and the following nominated representatives: John Friesen – Western Faculty, Krista Mantello - Public School Employees (PSE), Sarah Neugebauer – Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), Katrina Buckman – Professional Staff Organization (PSO), and Lea Aune  – employee volunteer.

The committee is excited to identify opportunities for the Western Gives & Grows Endowment to assist Western employees. While Western Gives & Grows is just starting out, there are big dreams for what it can achieve!

We invite you to join us in the creation of this legacy of continued development for our Western community.  Donations large and small are gratefully received and will provide lasting support. On June 1, WWU Give Day, a percentage of every gift will be matched, please consider a donation at www.wwu.edu/give (please indicate Western Gives and Grows in the area of support box) or an on-going payroll deduction.

Donor Quote:

“I believe Western’s distinctive ability to build a dynamic, supportive community is what keeps us engaged, fortifies our strength, and encourages us to seek out and embrace innovation. This feeling of community permeates all aspects of our university. It is recognizable in personal interactions and it is backed-up by institutional support. Western Gives and Grows represents what I love about Western and I’m so excited to have this chance to make an impact!”

For more information on Western Gives & Grows, contact WesternGivesandGrows@wwu.edu or visit https://wp.wwu.edu/wgg