Eastern Michigan Sets $50 Million Fundraising Goal for 'Invest. Inspire. The Campaign for Eastern Michigan University'

YPSILANTI, Mich., April 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eastern Michigan University officially kicked off the public phase of the largest comprehensive campaign in its history today, announcing a fundraising goal of $50 million to raise money for scholarships, academic programs, faculty, facilities and endowments.

The broad outreach effort, which involves alumni, faculty, students, staff and supporters, is called "Invest. Inspire. The Campaign for Eastern Michigan University." The public phase of the campaign lasts three years.

Arkansas native Rodney Slater, a scholar-athlete, member of the national champion forensics team and captain of the football team for Eastern Michigan in the 1970s, is chair of the campaign. Slater served as secretary of transportation during the Clinton administration.

"Eastern is the bridge that connects my early years in Arkansas to where I am today," Slater says. "What I learned at Eastern helped transform me, and I want to make the transformation possible for other students.  I think a lot about this institution and the lives it has changed. I want all of our graduates to reflect on the connections Eastern provided for them."

"This is a special day for Eastern Michigan," President Susan Martin says. "We look forward to connecting with alumni and supporters to benefit our students and faculty in a variety of important ways. This major effort focuses on developing resources and programs that will help Eastern train a wide variety of students to be central contributors in shaping Michigan's future.  The campaign is particularly important during these challenging economic times."

The University began the comprehensive campaign with an organizational and planning phase in 2005. In July 2006, an "advance gift" or "quiet" period began, in which the University sought large donations to get the campaign off to a strong start. So far, the campaign has raised more than $33 million.

Dale Heydlauff ('78), senior vice president at American Electric Power Co., in Columbus, Ohio; and Jaclynn Tracy ('74, '77, '79), chair of EMU's Department of Leadership and Counseling, will serve as vice chairs of the campaign. Delores ('62) and William Brehm, of McLean, Va., will serve as the campaign's honorary chairs.

For more information about the campaign, see the EMU Foundation Web site at www.emufoundation.org or call 734.484.1322.

SOURCE Eastern Michigan University