Brunch introduces students to campaign
Senior officers joined University President Michael Rao in flipping pancakes during Saturday’s community brunch near Rose Pond.
“This is the launching of the publicity phase of the ‘New Vision of Excellence’ campaign,” said Christine Alwood, director of stewardship and donor relations for Development and Alumni Relations. “We wanted to invite the community, faculty, staff, students and alumni to prepare them for a new vision of excellence.”
Rao led start-up efforts for the capital funds campaign during the summer by donating his $8,820 raise back to the university at the July 10 Board of Trustees meeting.
“I think we’re overdue for a major campaign and for people to get engaged and excited about CMU,” Rao said.
Rich Morrison, associate vice president of Public Relations and Marketing, said the four main components of the campaign are student scholarships, faculty endowments, enhanced campus environment and support for ongoing programs.
“This is an exciting time for CMU,” he said. “When the publicity phase of the campaign kicks off it will be a historic moment.”
Morrison said the brunch was used to thank the community for its support and gain visibility for the campaign.
“(The brunch) was a nice way to show students they are appreciated too,” said Dearborn senior Shelley Luke, who attended the event.
CMU alumni Chris and Carla Lee made the trip from Traverse City to show their support for the campaign.
“(The campaign) will get more people more involved, I would think,” Carla said. “It feels good to be back on campus.”
Vassar senior Suzanne Perreault said she thinks the event bonds the community and students.
“(The brunch) brings people together and gets the community and students to interact,” she said.
The brunch, sponsored by the Fifth Third Bank, 1114 N. Mission Road, was one of two publicity events Saturday. The goals of the campaign were publicly announced later in the evening at an invitation-only gala in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.
