Internal campaign: ’tis the season to give others a chance for an education

The annual internal giving campaign has begun, and there couldn’t be a better or more important time to make a donation.

 “Exciting things are happening around us,” said Lori Warneke, “with the new Bagwell building, renovations at the Pellissippi and Magnolia Avenue campuses, a new Blount County campus under way, an endowment for the performing arts from the Clayton family and attendance at an all-time high.”

Warneke, executive assistant of Information Services, is this year’s support staff campaign chair. JoAnn Pantanizopoulos, coordinator of the Educational Resources Center at Division Street, is administrative chair, and Rick Barber, an associate professor in Business and Computer Technology, is faculty chair.

“Many students would not have the opportunity to come to Pellissippi State without the gifts that fund our scholarships,” said Pellissippi State President Allen Edwards. “And with the sluggish economy, being able to go to college is more difficult than ever. The campaign goal is 100 percent participation.”

Employees have more than 70 different campaign funds from which to choose, and pledges can be made by cash, check or payroll deduction.

“We’ve all seen miracles take place as our students accept the challenge and succeed at Pellissippi State,” said Pantanizopoulos. “The internal campaign can make these extraordinary stories continue to happen.”

“The Pellissippi State Foundation is the lifeline for many of our students,” said Barber, “but it is also the gateway to our community. Our support is critical. We must demonstrate that we are willing to invest in the future of our own institution if we expect others to invest in us.”

“There has never been a greater time to be a part of Pellissippi State,” said Warneke. “An investment in Pellissippi State is an investment in our future!”