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The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and the UW Oshkosh Foundation launched Give 150—a campaign to build on the University’s long history of instruction and service. As UWO embarks on its 150th year of inspiring leaders, researchers and champions, the Give 150 campaign provides an opportunity for the Titan community to help UWO thrive for the next 150 years.

“The Give 150 fund will foster innovation, advance teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom, and enhance the overall experience for our students,” said UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt.

The give 150 fund benefits: Student academic, research and professional pursuits University efforts in the areas of sustainability, social justice and economic security Campus environment and student experience.

The campaign goal is $1.5 million in 2021, including $150,000 on UWO’s inaugural Giving Day, set for Sept. 12. Titan grad Jerry Gonyo ’64, has already donated $150,000 in recognition of the University’s 150th anniversary, dedicating $50,000 to challenge others to give on Giving Day.

“It may be harder to give right now, but whatever you can give will provide you with a sense of gratitude to the place that gave you a sense of direction,” Gonyo said.

UWO scholarship recipients Selena Yang, a senior majoring in human services leadership, and Mercedes Zabel, a junior elementary education and special education major, understand the impact a donation can have on a single student and the University.

“As a student who has thrived because of the generosity of others, I know firsthand that a donation is going to allow so many other students to achieve the goals and dreams they’ve had for a very long time,” Yang said. “They will be forever grateful.”

Zabel agrees. “I would say 100%: Yes! Donate. There are so many ways it can pay off,” Zabel said. “The University is growing our future leaders, teachers and all sorts of individuals who are going to change the world. What better way to support them than by helping them with their education?”

For more information about the Give 150 campaign or to support the fund, visit uwo.sh/give150.

Jim Rath

Donors inspired to give

“As soon as I learned of the Give 150 fund, I got out the checkbook and sent a check off to the UW Oshkosh Foundation to do my part to support the sesquicentennial. The following week I reached out to my siblings, who are also graduates of UW Oshkosh, to join my wife Sharon and myself in supporting the UWO Foundation. I am proud to say they joined me immediately in supporting UW Oshkosh. It is my hope to continue this support of the University.”

—Jim Rath ’76, political science graduate, Naples, Florida

Melissa Hunt

“UWO means so many things to me—my time at UWO provided me with a formal education but also allowed opportunities to make amazing friends, awesome memories and helped define and shape me. I contributed to the 150 Fund as a way to say thanks thus far and to ensure that students and alumni have more opportunities to make memories for another 150 years.”

—Melissa Hunt ’05, urban planning graduate, Verona

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