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Culp Accepts National Fundraising AwardPublished: 11/17/2009 Clark State Community College’s Vice President for Advancement Kristin Culp was named the 2009 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Council for Resource Development (CRD), an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges. Culp received the Campus Impact Award on November 13, 2009, at the CRD Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. CRD Campus Impact Awards recognize the efforts of individuals or teams that have made a significant impact on a community college and/or the students it serves. Culp was recognized for leading the fundraising efforts that led to the establishment of the Champion City Scholars program, which identifies 50 low-income middle school students each year who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Scholars are mentored through high school and upon graduation are awarded a full two-year scholarship to Clark State. "Kris has led all fundraising efforts for the Champion City Scholars program," said Clark State President Dr. Karen Rafinski. "In order to maximize the endowment growth, she has operated the program on a shoestring budget so that as many of the gifts as possible can go into endowment, rather than operations. Beyond fundraising, she has led the program’s development, with less than a year between program conception and inducting the first 50 Scholars. Many aspects of the program have been developed in response to recognized needs that arise, and Kris’ priority has consistently been to ensure student success." During Culp’s 15 years with the Clark State Foundation, its fund balance has grown from less than $1 million to $14 million and the Foundation is ranked first among all two-year public colleges in Ohio for its endowment per full time equivalent (FTE) student. Culp served as campaign manager for the College’s 2004 major gifts campaign. The Champion City Scholars program was one of four initiatives that were included in the campaign, which was completely donor-driven. This approach was extremely successful, raising $12 million on a $7 million goal. To date, $2.64 million has been secured in gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations. The Scholars program funding was greatly enhanced by a bequest from Dr. Warren G. Elliott in 2006, and the program’s formal name is now the Warren G. Elliott Champion City Scholars. MEDIA CONTACT: |