WMU News

Gary Fund tops goal at $458,848

June 10, 1997

KALAMAZOO -- The Mike Gary Athletic Fund at Western Michigan University has topped its 1997 goal by raising $457,848 -- a 13.6 percent increase over last year. This year's total eclipsed the campaign's $415,000 goal by $42,848.

"This is a significant achievement, for which our volunteers deserve a great deal of credit and appreciation," said Keith A. Pretty, vice president for external affairs and general counsel and president of the WMU Foundation. "Their commitment, dedication and Bronco spirit carried us over the top!"

Pretty paid special thanks to Tom King, this year's campaign chair, and to Gary Cramer, chair-elect, as well as to the 38 other volunteers for the outstanding success of this year's campaign. Although the campaign has come to an end, contributions still can be made through the WMU Foundation.

In addition to announcing the successful conclusion of the campaign, Pretty announced that a lifetime achievement award was presented to Lawrence H. (Lornie) Russell. "Lornie has demonstrated exemplary service as a volunteer for the Mike Gary Athletic Fund over three decades," Pretty said. "He has given unselfishly of his time, talent and personal resources for the benefit of the University and those it serves."

Pretty also congratulated Stephen Keizer, director of the Mike Gary Athletic Fund. "Steve did a great job in his first year as director of the fund," Pretty said. "He brought a lot of energy and support to the outstanding efforts of our volunteers."

Team captains this year included Jim McIntyre, Lou White, Gary Gunia, Gitta Kudlicki, Jim Lamborn, Larry Leuth and Fred Sitkins. They and their teams made more than 1,800 telephone calls to Bronco supporters across the country between April 21 and the conclusion of the campaign May 21.


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