Humanities Express

From the Dean

I am not sure whether I should attribute this to my southern roots or to my African American cultural heritage, but I recall that, in the area where I grew up, soliciting money for any reasons was simply referred to as "begging." In that context, "begging" did not necessarily have a negative connotation. Surely there were unacceptable instances such as when an able-bodied person solicited money for some form of selfish pleasure, such as purchasing alcohol, or due to pure laziness. On the whole, however, there were far more acceptable forms of "begging" than unacceptable ones, with the most accepted form being that done in support of some noble cause such as education or religion. As in most things, there were individuals who excelled at "begging" and who most often took home the prize or trophy that was awarded to the one whose prowess yielded the largest amount of money in support of the designated cause. [In this time and context, we would simply call them Development Officers and pay them well for exercising their skills on our behalf.]

Although I was a tenacious little beggar for noble causes, I was never a particularly successful one. Despite my best efforts, I cannot recall ever taking home either prize or trophy. Perhaps my lack of early success in the world of financial solicitation is why I am so excited about this year's annual CAMPUS CAMPAIGN. Last year, we came so close to walking away with the plaque for being the college with the highest increase in the percentage of employees contributing with a participation rate of 51%. I am confident that we will exceed last year's rate of giving and finally bring home the trophy. But let me back up a bit and fill in some details for those who may be unfamiliar with the Campus Campaign. It is an annual fundraising drive that offers faculty and staff an opportunity to contribute to the area(s) of the university that mean the most to them. Through direct gifts or through payroll deductions, faculty and staff are able to make a significant impact on many of the projects, programs, research, and scholarship that make Ohio State a great place to work, learn, and grow. While we are free to contribute to any program in the university, I am pleased to say that the majority of humanities faculty and staff earmark their contributions for programs in our College. The extraordinary generosity of our faculty and staff reveals the extent to which they embrace the campaign's slogan: I Believe in Ohio State.

Again this year, (dare I say it) I beg for the participation of all our faculty and staff in the Campus Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, this past year has been one of the most successful in the history of fundraising in the College. In leading the way, these generous benefactors reveal their understanding that in this era of dwindling governmental support for higher education, financial contributions from those of us who care about Ohio State are essential in making sure that we are able to meet our goal of maintaining the highest academic standards. Perennially, our students receive, and rightfully so, the lion's share of attention from College benefactors through their support of competitive scholarships. However, contributions to enhance curricular and programmatic activities in our departments and centers come in a close second place. The Campus Campaign is an opportunity for faculty and staff to join with alumni and friends of the College in making a critical difference for programs and students. For additional information please visit this year's Campus Campaign Web site.

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