As University enrollment increases, fundraising efforts are gearing up from different sources to match the potential for inflated donations.
Sara Crow, director of communications and donor relations at the LSU Foundation, explained the foundation raises private dollars for the University. Crow said the foundation has not seen an impact on donations from the recent spike in student enrollment, but the increased enrollment does draw positive attention to the University.
The foundation and the Alumni Association are trying to spread the word about the University’s academic and athletic achievements inside and outside the classroom.
“We [the University] are shinning very brightly,” Crow said.
While the benefits of the increasing numbers of students have not been reaped yet, Crow said it is important to understand what the foundation is and the value of its philanthropy.
Crow said she hopes the foundation is doing a good job in engaging and bringing all people back to the University.
Additionally, Crow said the increase of students helps the development of parent involvement.
She said the Foundation has a development officer who works trying to engage parents.
Aimee Frierson, assistant director of Parent and Family Programs, said more students enrolled means more parents will be engaged in programs like social media, orientation and newsletters.
Frierson said these programs help parents feel more connected.
There are several on-going events to engage out-of-state parents, Frierson said.
She said the programs serve to educate and connect current parents and parents of incoming parents.
These outreach efforts sometimes result in a tax-deductible donation.
Kenissa McKay, communication manager for LSU Career Services, said if students use Career Services as a resource to get a job or internship, students should give credit back to the University.
McKay said these are the people who keep the network going for all departments of the University.
“We [the University] are shinning very brightly.”