Kettering University Faculty and Staff Contribute to 2024 FUNd Drive in Record Setting Numbers

Kettering University Faculty and Staff Contribute to 2024 FUNd Drive in Record Setting Numbers

This Spring, the Kettering community embraced a new challenge again, achieving a record-setting 89% participation rate for the 2024 FUNd Drive. A remarkable 307 faculty and staff members contributed financially to this year's campaign.

"The generosity of Kettering's faculty and staff is astounding," said Jennifer Patterson, Vice President of University Advancement & External Affairs. "It illustrates deep commitment to our students, but also to each other as we collaborate to make the Kettering experience transformational and profound for our entire community."

The impressive rate of giving by Kettering employees positively impacts the University in many ways. Faculty/staff giving often boosts the overall alumni giving rate as well. Industry rankings, such as those from US News & World Report, consider faculty giving rates when ranking institutions- and by extension, those rankings can impact a student's choice to enroll. High internal giving rates also exemplify employee confidence in Kettering University's mission and leadership. This endorsement enhances the University's reputation among external stakeholders, including potential donors and funding organizations. By encouraging faculty and staff to give, Kettering University also helps to foster a culture of philanthropy that extends beyond the campus.

The 2024 FUNd Drive campaign, led by co-chairs Sam Klaskow, Director of the Academic Success Center, and Dr. Reem Alzahabi, Assistant Professor of Psychology, ran from April 18 to May 17. The funds raised will support various campus initiatives, with donations directed to 39 different funds, including current student programs, scholarships, and departmental support.

Nearly 20% of all contributions were allocated to the Keep Me Kettering scholarship, which assists students facing financial challenges. Another significant recipient was the Kettering Gift Fund, which enables the University to seize unplanned and unpredictable opportunities throughout the school year. This fund enhances the campus experience by supporting academic programs, on-campus activities, research equipment, and general facilities.

Dr. Reem Alzahabi, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Faculty Co-chair, said, "I give back to Kettering because I am deeply invested in my community's growth. When Kettering thrives, its students thrive, its faculty and staff thrive, and so does the community. I like to give to the Kettering Gift Fund because my donation directly benefits students and their ability to advance in their education and careers."

On May 21, staff and faculty gathered in the Learning Commons to celebrate the success of the 2024 FUNd Drive. President Robert McMahan expressed his gratitude during the celebration: "Your participation in the FUNd Drive demonstrates a belief in Kettering, and that belief attracts additional support from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations."

Over the past 11 years, the FUNd Drive has raised more than $650,000 to support students in fulfilling their educational opportunities at Kettering University.