Faculty and staff give back

Pridemore, coordinator of admissions processing, would have struggled to pay her way through UM-Dearborn if it weren’t for scholarships.

As a student, she received the Dr. John Dempsey Memorial Scholarship.

That tuition assistance made college more affordable for Pridemore, which inevitably helped her graduate and land a successful career.

“One of the reasons that I really chose to give is because I received scholarships,” she said. “I want to give back to help someone do something they might not have been able to. It’s all about giving them an opportunity.”

This year’s campaign supports the belief that the University’s future success begins with the commitment of its faculty and staff. The campaign, which runs March 13 through April 17, focuses on encouraging employee participation, rather than a specific dollar amount. Faculty and staff also can direct their gift to a specific program, scholarship, school/college or department.

“Every gift to UM-Dearborn is important and helps the University maintain its academic excellence,” said Cecile Aitchison, associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement. “It doesn’t matter how much you give, as long as you give. A small gift can go a long way in helping UM-Dearborn achieve its mission.”

Pridemore’s gift during fiscal year 2011 supported scholarships, something she benefited from greatly. But aside from the personal benefits, Pridemore also receives daily reminders about the importance of scholarships while working in admissions.

“If I can give a little money to help a student, I’m definitely all for it,” she said.

“I’m a little more financially-stable nowadays. Now I feel like, if I can give back, then it’s something I really want to do.”

Susan Baker couldn’t agree more. Baker, accounting and finance lecturer, also benefited from scholarships to pay her way through college. That’s why she gives back to UM-Dearborn.

“My inspiration to give to the campaign is the students whom I have the privilege to mentor,” Baker said. “Even modest donations can help ensure that these dedicated students who eagerly give back to the community will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

For Elif Izberk-Bilgin, her passion for teaching at UM-Dearborn encourages her to participate in the campaign.

“I’m proud to be teaching at UM-Dearborn and to be a part of this wonderful academic community,” said Izberk-Bilgin, assistant professor of marketing. “I’m happy to contribute in any way I can to the advancement of our students and our school.”

And the giving process couldn’t be easier. There are multiple ways in which faculty and staff can give back, including payroll deduction, credit card payments and gift forms. For more information on how to give back to UM-Dearborn, contact Kristin McDonough, development coordinator, at 313-583-6428 or [email protected].

The Faculty and Staff Campaign is just one piece of UM-Dearborn’s overall Annual Giving program. The Annual Fund reaches out to alumni and community members and encourages them to contribute to the University.