Southwestern employees contribute to the Foundation

The Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation, which already receives a great deal of support from College faculty and staff members, is kicking off this fall’s employee donation drive.

The drive begins Sept. 14 with a letter to all Southwestern employees giving them the option to have monthly donations of their choosing payroll deducted. About 10 percent of College employees give to the Foundation each year, accounting for about $7,500 of the Foundation’s now more than $3 million in holdings.

Southwestern employees also will have the opportunity to support the Foundation this Friday during the campus-wide in service day to bid on pieces of art purchased by the Foundation from the Vision high-school art competition last spring. The winning bidders will be able to display their chosen pieces of art in their offices for the academic year. The art for auction will be on display in the Empire Hall lobby from 8 a.m. to noon Friday.

“I just think it’s important to recognize that people who actually work here are supporting the Foundation,” Interim Foundation Director Marie Simonds said.

Because of contributions by Southwestern employees and other community donors, the Foundation is able to award nearly $45,000 in scholarships to in-district high school and Southwestern students; support $5,000 in faculty mini-grants; and dedicate $10,000 for acquiring campus art. The Foundation also supports capital construction projects including Oregon Coast Culinary Institute and the proposed Health Science and Technology building along with emergency assistance for students, support for many academic programs and other activities that benefit Southwestern students and the community.

To make contributions to the Southwestern Foundation, those interested can contact Simonds at 888-7211 or by e-mail at msimonds@socc.edu.

Press Release Date: September 12, 2007