Anderson Reporter

Au Launches Women’s Philanthropy Council

 Anderson University recently launched the Women’s Philanthropy Council (WPC), a group of women making a meaningful impact by serving the Anderson University campus and community. The organization, which currently comprises 61 founding members, has already started supporting the university in meaningful financial ways.

“It is truly inspiring to be with this group of women,” said Jen Hunt, vice president for advancement. “Hearing how impactful AU has been in each of their lives makes me proud to be part of the AU family. I can feel the love they have for Anderson University and our students, and their excitement to make a positive impact is contagious. I can’t wait to see what this group will achieve.”

Believing that working collectively can have a greater impact than working alone, the goal of the group is to invite other women to make a three-year commitment to give $1,000 annually, along with participating in a process to vet and select projects to fund annually with their contributions, primarily to impact the student experience.

The council began their efforts by using $10,000 of next year’s membership gifts to fund the purchase of LED lighting for the Valley. This particular project was requested by students and will help make portions of the AU campus better lit and safer overall. Moving forward, the council plans to accept proposals for new projects.

“We are gratified and so thankful for the strong response and engagement of dozens of women who have signed up as initial contributors to the WPC,” said President John S. Pistole. “Our opening dinner with these contributors was full of enthusiasm, excitement, and gratitude for how AU has impacted their lives.”

Each October the group will hold its annual meeting and hopes to triple its membership by the 2023 gathering. For those interested in joining the council, contact Elyse Cromer, associate director of annual giving.

The 12 charter members and 61 founding members are listed below in alphabetical order.

Charter Members

Pat Seasor-Bailey

Sandy Baker

Lori Ball

Lou Beard

Janet Brewer

Carolyn Caldwell

Michelle Cantwell

Connie Hippensteel

Joy Loyd

Darlene Miller

Lynn Schmidt

Pam Taylor

Founding Members

Marilyn Ault

Hester Ball

Annie Cheek

Marlo Cookston

Merry Cookston

Kasey Davis

Ashley Deal

Kim Deal

Sally Devoe

Mary Donley

Charlene Evans

Rhonda Fields

Mindy Grubbs

Kathy Harp

Shari Hartman

Mary Holland

Jen Hunt

Trish Janutalo

Carol Johnson

Alissa Kerry

Heather Kim

Abigail Kirkman

Denise Kriebel

Patty Lilly

Nancy Lockhart

Bekah Snyder Logan

Donna Madinger

Naomi McCurdy

Sandy McCurdy

Tammy McLaughlin

Holly Miller

Carol Mitchell

Megan Moran

Stephanie Moran

Becca Palmer

Joan Ratzlaff

Greta Reames

Judy Renbarger

Nancy Ricker

Darla Sallee

Jan Schmidt

Cheryl Shank

Pam Shoot

Chris Sipka

Karen Smith

Bobbette Snyder

Shelly Sparks

Diane Vargo

Jennifer Wilson

Original source can be found here.