This past weekend at the alumni reunion in Ardmore, the East Central University Alumni Association announced its Centennial Fundraising Campaign to raise $100,000 to benefit future students and the university.
"We are asking each alumnus to donate $100 or more to help ensure student scholarships continue to grow," said Alumni Association President Hillary Farrell. "ECU has given many alumni a great start in life, and a contribution during ECU's Centennial Celebration is a great way to say thank you."
The Alumni Association's goal is to raise $100,000 by collecting at least $100 from 1000 ECU graduates or friends.
The funds will be used to provide financial support for future students by establishing a perpetual endowment for legacy scholarships and construct a prominent brick entryway into the campus.
The legacy scholarships will be awarded annually to students who are direct descendants (i.e., children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.) of alumni who graduated between 1909 and 2009.
A portion of the funds raised will help build a 4 foot tall x 10 foot wide brick centennial gate that will be located on the corner of Francis and 14th Streets, just south of the Sterling L. Williams Alumni Center. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2009.
"I am delighted that the Alumni Association has chosen to join our Centennial Celebration", said President John Hargrave. "Providing financial assistance to legacies is an outstanding idea but adding an additional entry gate really goes above and beyond. I can honestly say I am proud to be an ECU alum."
Contributions can be made online at www.alumni.ecok.edu/donations or mailed to The ECU Alumni Association, 1100 East 14th Street, PMB Y8, Ada, Oklahoma 74820.
The mission of the East Central Alumni Association is to create opportunities that connect the East Central family. The Association's goals are to preserve the university's heritage, build the ECU community, assist students and promote school spirit and pride.
For more information, call Buffy Lovelis at 580-559-5651.
# # #