The Inaugural One Purpose Campaign Kicked Off on Aug. 28, Emphasizing Student Success and Community Relationships
Excitement for the kickoff of the six-week campaign was apparent as the room buzzed with anticipation — volunteers were eager to review their training materials in preparation for their efforts to raise $1 million for student scholarships by Oct. 9.
More than 300 campus and community leaders have signed up for the effort, with a strong show of support and leadership demonstrated by fund drive Chairs John and June Rogers, as well as Divisional Leaders Steve and Nancy Jaureguy and George and Karna Petrulakis, who have led the effort to recruit volunteers for the cause.
The group was welcomed by Vice President for University Advancement Shirley Pok, who set the stage for volunteers to leave the event feeling warmly welcomed and prepared to realize the fundraising goal. She also pointed out the importance of this inaugural campaign in laying a foundation for future fundraising efforts.
“When you walk out this evening you are going to feel fully engaged and well prepared for success,” Pok said to the volunteers. “We are truly standing at the threshold of a pivotal time in the history of CSU Stanislaus and a pivotal time for the communities that we serve. As volunteers, you will be ready to leave here and change the way we do things — change the way we think about uniting to make a difference.”
In his remarks to the group, George Petrulakis highlighted the broad support demonstrated by members of the campus and the community, as well as confidence in the leadership and experience of those behind the campaign.
“Our asking for pledges and commitments is supported so profoundly that we will be able to translate the existing respect for the University into directly benefiting our one purpose of helping students secure their higher education,” Petrulakis said. “People want to help. We just need to ask.”
In addition to endorsing the campaign’s goal to invest in CSU Stanislaus students — which will enrich a college-educated workforce for the region and improve the appeal of living and working here — President Joseph F. Sheley underscored the opportunity that volunteers will have to build relationships through their interaction with the community.
“We get a chance to tell the story about this University to people who don’t really know the story. We have ambassadors now — more than 300 One Purpose volunteers — who are going to spread the word,” Sheley said. “The result of that will be an increase in pride, support and respect for this University that will build friendships and relationships for many, many years.”
As a One Purpose volunteer, CSU Stanislaus staff member Michael Igoe said that he is most looking forward to meeting people throughout the community who are interested in becoming engaged with the campus but aren’t sure where to start.
“I think this will be a great way for them to get involved and make a positive difference in students’ lives,” he said.
Volunteers are also seeking community connections to support a vibrant student experience and contribute to student success.
“I would love to see this become more of a college town — where the students really feel connected to the community,” said Carrie Melgard, who has volunteered to lead a One Purpose team with her husband, Paul Melgard.
“It is so important that we, as a community, enrich the experience for students here and invest in their future,” she said. “One Purpose has the potential to do that.”
Students Michelle Akanji and Tiffany Isel know first hand how impactful scholarships can be for those pursuing higher education. Each shared their personal stories at the kickoff event — reflecting on how scholarship awards motivated them academically and inspired them to give back to the community.
“When I was awarded a scholarship, I gave more effort than ever to learn and I allowed the time to better myself as a student,” Isel said. “And, I took more pride knowing that as a future teacher I could demonstrate the importance of academics to my students, and that they too can achieve their dreams of a college education.”
Those interested in supporting One Purpose at CSU Stanislaus can contact the Division of University Advancement at (209) 667-3131 or visit csustan.edu/one-purpose.