Opening Doors to Education, World

Luncheon recognizes scholarship donors

Nancy Kortes,’65, was a CMU student majoring in Spanish when she was offered an opportunity to study in Madrid, Spain.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have the money to pay for the trip.

Never forgetting her disappointment, Kortes and her husband, Ted, ’63, decided to do something to help CMU students realize such opportunities.

They established the Nancy and Ted Kortes Spanish Award in 1993 to offer scholarships for Spanish language students to study in Spain or Latin America. The endowment has provided scholarships – from $100 to $800 – to more than 40 students.

“It’s exciting to get postcards from the students and hear about where they are living and studying,” Nancy Kortes said. “We’re proud to be able to give them this opportunity.”

Nancy and Ted Kortes were featured at CMU’s Scholarship and Endowment Luncheon on April 24 at the Mount Pleasant Comfort Inn.

Event thanks donors, celebrates students
This annual event enables the university and its scholarship recipients to recognize the generous donors who make educational dreams possible. The luncheon also celebrates scholarship recipients’ accomplishments.

One goal of the New Vision of Excellence campaign is to raise at least $8 million to support student scholarships.
Through donor generosity, last year alone 557 CMU students received more than $677,000 from endowments and annual scholarship gifts, said Michael Leto, vice president of development and alumni relations.

“Our real strength as a university family is our willingness to help pave the way for future generations of leaders,” Leto said.

Scholarship donors open doors that might otherwise have remained closed for students, President Michael Rao said. Donors also benefit the university, he said, by bringing to campus “the kind of students who want opportunities to be exceptional.”

Students express appreciation

Scholarship recipients Amy Conger of Lapeer and Christina Bouchey of Clare were featured speakers at the luncheon. They both explained that financial concerns threatened to limit their educational pursuits.

An education major, Conger says she looks forward to completing student teaching and envisions a bright future.

“My donors have helped me to see places I never would have otherwise,” said Conger, who received the Robert and Lura Myers, the E.C. Beck, and the John E. Warriner scholarships. “Because my donors have given of themselves, I want to give as well.”

Bouchey is a logistics management and marketing major who this year received the College of Business Administration Outstanding Student Award. She is a recipient of the Don W. Kelsey Scholarship, the CMU Board of Trustees Outstanding High School Student Scholarship, and the CMU Leader Advancement Scholarship.

Bouchey said scholarships provided her more than an opportunity to go to school.

“Scholarships have allowed me to have experiences that will shape my future,” she said.

Amy Silk, CBA director of development, said generous donors, through their gifts to CMU, have made a significant difference in CMU students’ lives.

“As I listened to Christina’s touching reflections and read through her many accomplishments, I could not help but personally reflect on what a wonderful investment our donors had made by providing philanthropic support to such an outstanding young woman,” Silk said.

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CMU dedicates New
Health Professions Building

Donors raise standards, change CMU forever

Marvis Lary called the grand opening and dedication of the Central Michigan University Health Professions Building “a lifetime opportunity” for CMU.

“The building’s research-clinical-education setup is regarded as one of the most innovative systems in the United States and will facilitate both research and clinical opportunities for students and faculty,” said Lary, dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions. “It is a very exciting time in CMU’s history and in the history of health professions itself.”

The two-story facility opened for classes in January 2004 and serves more than 2,500 students in 19 health-related graduate and undergraduate programs.

Kimberlydawn Wisdom, M.D., Michigan’s first surgeon general, spoke at the grand opening. Wisdom, responsible for leading the state’s public health promotion and disease prevention effort, discussed how CMU can address Michigan residents’ health care needs.

Setting new standards

The completion of the building is symbolic of a new era at CMU, said President Michael Rao.

“There is a new standard at this institution,” Rao said. “Clinical practice and research at CMU in the last five years have started to receive national ranking, and now CMU facilities, including this facility, have become international models that are being investigated for duplication.”

Four programs in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions – audiology, physician assistant, speech-language pathology, and physical therapy – ranked among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s 2004 rankings of best graduate schools.

“Donors and taxpayers and everyone who has had a hand in this: You need to enjoy this building knowing you will have helped change CMU forever,” Rao said.

More than 800 donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, contributed more than $10 million to help fund the $50 million building, a cornerstone of the New Vision of Excellence Campaign. The State of Michigan provided $37.5 million and CMU contributed $2.5 million.

Foundations lead charge

Leadership gifts of $5 million from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation of Midland and $1.5 million from The Carls Foundation of Detroit provided the impetus toward raising private gifts, said CMU Board of Trustees Chair James Fabiano Sr.

In recognition of the foundations’ support, the health professions college was named The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and the clinical wing of the new building was named the Carls Center for Clinical Care and Education.

“We are certainly impressed with CMU’s continually improving academic reputation and its importance to mid-Michigan and the state of Michigan,” said Margaret Ann “Ranny” Riecker, president of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and emeritus member of the CMU Board of Trustees.

Elizabeth Stieg, executive director of The Carls Foundation, said the foundation was interested in how CMU will use the building to serve the community through interdisciplinary clinical care, especially in the areas of audiology and communication disorders. For the past six years The Carls Foundation has supported CMU’s Summer Remedial Clinics for children with communication disorders.

The Carls Center for Clinical Care and Education brings CMU’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinics; the Psychological Training and Consultation Center; Physical Therapy Services; and other clinical services together in one multidisciplinary clinic.

State-of-the-art facility

The 175,000-square-foot building, which is the largest academic structure on campus, features three wings for interdisciplinary clinics, classrooms, and clinical laboratory teaching and research. Two garden courtyards allow for meditation and reflection. In addition to wireless capability throughout the building, students have access to data ports for laptop computers.

The facility houses the Global Telepresence Room, virtual reality and interactive immersion classrooms, and scientific laboratories that can be linked throughout the world. The building also includes the Brain Research and Integrative Neuroscience Center, the Rural Telehealth and Community Education Network, adaptive living environments, and high-tech equipment for diagnostic testing and rehabilitative procedures.

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Gift annuities enable donors to give and receive

To help you explore various ways and benefits of contributing to Central Michigan University’s New Vision of Excellence campaign, this issue of Viewpoint highlights the most popular planned gift arrangement: the charitable gift annuity.

A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you and CMU. In return for your cash gift or marketable securities, you and/or another beneficiary will receive a fixed, guaranteed income for life. You also will receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction.

For example:

Jean, 70, transfers $10,000 to CMU in exchange for an annual annuity payment of $650 for life. Of this amount, $391 currently is treated as a tax-free return of principal for the next 15 years (her life expectancy) and only $259 currently is treated as ordinary income. Thereafter, the entire $650 is treated as ordinary income. In addition, Jean realizes a charitable income tax deduction of $3,777 that, in her 28 percent bracket, generates a net tax savings of $1,058. After her life, Jean’s goodwill is realized in the area of the university where she has designated her gift.

Because each individual’s tax situation is unique and tax laws are subject to change, it is advisable to seek professional direction for individual estate planning and tax consultation.

For more information about ways of giving, contact Ted Tolcher, director of planned and major gifts, at (989) 774-1441 or toll free at (800) 358-6903. Or visit our Web site at vision.cmich.edu and click “Online Guide to Giving.”

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Graduate's Gift will Help Realize Vision on Beaver Island

In her heart, JoAnn Hinds, ’72, ’76, always will be the biologist who lived several summers in a tent on Beaver Island.

Although Hinds’ career has taken her away from biology, the president and chief executive officer of Diamond Die and Mold Company in Clinton Township hasn’t lost her passion for the place that captivated her as a CMU student.

Hinds recently gave $100,000 to help CMU purchase approximately three acres of land and a three-bedroom house adjoining CMU’s Biological Station on Beaver Island.

The property and house will enhance the renovation and expansion of the biological station, which is a New Vision of Excellence priority for both the university and the College of Science and Technology.

“I am definitely committed in my heart to make sure that new building is built,” Hinds said. “For us not to keep the station growing would be a tremendous loss to CMU.”

Foundation for the future

The additional land will enable CMU to expand its trail systems, and the house will provide additional faculty and researcher lodging as well as teaching space when construction begins on the new laboratory and media center.

After receiving her undergraduate and graduate degrees from CMU, Hinds taught science at Clifford Smart Junior High School in Walled Lake and at Linden Middle School. She returned to metro Detroit in 1982 and worked as a purchaser with her father’s company before becoming its leader.

Hinds values the science, math, and problem-solving skills she learned at CMU and wants to ensure the facility’s future. She encourages other graduates to offer their support of the facility.

Perpetuating interests

Hinds’ commitment boosts the university’s campaign to build a new research and learning center on Beaver Island, said James Gillingham, professor of biology and director of the biological station.

“She’s our No. 1 flag-bearer for the station,” Gillingham said. “She’s a biologist, and when she comes to the station, she wants to get out in the field. Her enthusiasm touches everyone who meets her.”

A previous gift from Hinds helped CMU purchase a 230-acre parcel of undeveloped land on the island. This highly diverse site, known as Miller’s Marsh, is ideal for field trips, research, and other activities.

“JoAnn Hinds is not only a role model for future CMU graduates, she is perpetuating her interests in a way that benefits science, education, and the environment,” CMU President Michael Rao said. “We are very fond of JoAnn. She is not only a successful businesswoman, but also a warm and generous human being.”

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CMU Women's Connection Empowers
Alumnae, Friends

Central Michigan University female graduates and friends have a new avenue for becoming more involved with the university and developing their leadership potential.

CMU Women’s Connection offers practical information and programs that engage women in the advancement of CMU and assist them in personal and professional growth. It also promotes enhanced learning opportunities for CMU students.

More than 70 alumnae and friends attended the inaugural CMU Women’s Connection April 16 in Bloomfield Hills. The event was the first of several statewide programs that organizers are planning.

Student works highlighted

This first Women’s Connection event gave CMU apparel merchandising and design students exposure for their creative works.

“I hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn more about one of CMU’s strongest academic programs and see some of the creative work that our students are doing,” said University Outreach Liaison Monica Rao, who provided a brief introduction at the event.

Approximately 150 students are majoring in CMU’s apparel merchandising and design program, which recently posted a post-graduation placement rate of 98 percent.

Maureen MacGillivray, human environmental studies professor, narrated the fashion show, which modeled clothing designed and tailored by the program’s top students.

“The students were thrilled,” said Tanya Domina, human environmental studies associate professor. “These students don’t get many opportunities to showcase their work off campus.”

Students learn to use several standard computer applications as well as industry specific software, such as Lectra U4ia. Lectra, the world leader in software for the apparel merchandising industries, recently gave CMU two gifts of software and technical support valued at nearly $900,000.

“I am really impressed to see the level of competency,” said Betty Kriegel, who attended the program with her friend Pat May, ’87, of Farmington Hills.

Networking opportunity

The students also connected with potential employers.

“A couple of women who are in business for themselves and who work for major corporations said they would be interested in helping to find placement for some of our graduates,” Domina said.

Kathleen Maisner, ’70, of Bloomfield Hills said she is interested in attending more Women’s Connection events, particularly an informational program about financial planning.

Women interested in learning more about upcoming Women’s Connection events should contact Christine Alwood, director of stewardship and donor relations, at (989) 774-7155 or alwoo1cm@cmich.edu


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Multicultural journalism workshop

A weeklong workshop June 13-18 helped high school students from underrepresented ethnic groups pursue their interests in journalism careers.

The Caponigro Multicultural Journalism Workshop introduces students to journalism by offering them a personal look at what experienced professionals do on a daily basis.

Jeff Caponigro, a 1979 CMU graduate and CMU Board of Trustees member, established an endowment fund to support the workshop.
Caponigro majored in journalism at CMU and was a reporter for three newspapers before he entered a successful public relations career more than two decades ago.

“It is always a thrill when I can help others, and establishing an endowment to help fund this program is a way to ensure that the help is there in perpetuity,” said Caponigo, who today leads one of the top public relations firms in the Midwest – Caponigro Public Relations Inc. – as well as the advertising/integrated marketing agency Caponigro Marketing Group. “It is especially gratifying to help those who might otherwise be forgotten or left behind in a profession about which I have always been passionate.”

During the workshop, Michigan newspaper journalists mentor the high school students in news reporting, feature writing, photography, page design, online publishing, and copy editing.

“It’s a fantastic program that I wish had existed when I was in high school,” Caponigro said. “It’s a great way for the high school students to determine whether they want to go into journalism, and it’s a great recruiting tool.”

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Campaign shines in Lone Star State

Dallas-area alumni and friends welcomed President Michael Rao and The New Vision of Excellence campaign to a reception February 25.

“It’s an exciting time,” President Rao told the more than 40 alumni and friends attending the reception. “CMU’s academic programs and commitment to engaging its students in meaningful opportunities are finally receiving long-deserved recognition. CMU has come a long way with the help of alumni and friends like you.”

But CMU still has a way to go toward reaching its potential as a nationally prominent university, Rao said, stressing, “The New Vision of Excellence Campaign will help us do it.”

Michael and Mary (Francy) O’Donnell of Dallas hosted the event. Michael O’Donnell, ’70, is the managing director of Protiviti Inc., a leading international firm dedicated to risk consulting and internal audit.

Among the people in attendance were Sue Bancroft, ’72, College of Communication and Fine Arts Campaign Committee member; Steve Discher, ’84, who serves on the CBA Institute for Management Consulting advisory board; and Bruce Theunissen, ’51, an active member of the Dallas Alumni Chapter.

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About the New Vision of Excellence Campaign

A New Vision of Excellence is the most ambitious fund-raising initiative in Central Michigan University history. This $50-million campaign draws a vision for the university's future brought into focus through the successes of its proud past.

This campaign will:

• Establish student scholarships and heighten academic standards
• Provide endowments for faculty research and creativity
• Enhance the campus environment with advanced facilities and technology
• Strengthen ongoing and special programs

The opportunity to reach CMU's potential in each of these four important areas has inspired an unreserved belief that CMU's traditional strengths comprehensive undergraduate education and niche-area applied graduate programs provide an outstanding impetus and foundation for visionary progress at this moment in the university's history.

Student Scholarships - $8 million

CMU will invest in talented and diverse students by offering merit- and need-based scholarships and financial aid, providing a stimulating learning environment, heightening academic standards, and sponsoring extracurricular opportunities investments that help students to think critically and prepare for leadership in their professions and communities.

Faculty and Program Endowment - $4 million

New faculty endowments and other forms of support will encourage applied research, scholarship, and creativity at all levels of learning among students and faculty. CMU will invigorate classroom experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels and develop new research and community service centers that strengthen Michigan's economy and communities.

Enhanced Campus Environment - $20 million

CMU's building, technology, and equipment goals are ambitious and pragmatic. Academic and research excellence will be fully supported by providing an enhanced learning environment featuring the advanced technology and facilities required for higher education in the twenty-first century.

Ongoing and Special Programs - $18 million

Annual and special program support helps fund seminars and workshops, new outreach centers, classroom equipment, and many other resources that support CMU's historic academic mission and New Vision of Excellence.

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