DATE: Thursday, October 23, 1997            TAG: 9710230508

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B5   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MATTHEW BOWERS, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   48 lines

NSU FACULTY, STAFF ASKED TO PUSH FUND RAISING

Charity - and fund raising - begin at home, Norfolk State University professors, deans, administrators and other staff learned Wednesday.

They were asked to participate, with time, ideas and money, in the college's push for widely expanded fund raising under new President Marie V. McDemmond.

``We need your help; we need your involvement,'' Algeania W. Freeman, acting vice president for university advancement, said at a kickoff luncheon.

The university also needs their money, and will seek that support during a ``Show Your Love!'' campaign set for February, with payroll deductions available.

Along with the campaign, representatives from eight schools on campus will form a Development Council that will help identify fund-raising priorities and corporate, foundation and other sources to solicit.

Also, a Fund-Raising Task Force will be formed with members from each department of the university. ``Our role will be to see that everybody participates,'' said Paula R.D. Shaw of the University Advancement office.

That means non-university types, as well. Yellow ``new donor/supporter referral forms'' were distributed to university employees Wednesday. They will be used to name potential outside contributors that the University Advancement office can approach for gifts.

By the new year, an annual giving campaign will be under way, with a mass mailing to alumni, Freeman said.

Also on board should be three new officers: directors of corporate and foundation relations, sustained giving and endowments, and advancement research. Corporate and other sponsorships could range from naming buildings to funding events and programs.

Freeman said the money raised will go for basics - student scholarships, faculty training and education, and updated equipment - all called necessary to reach McDemmond's Goal No. 1 of ``student success.''

Norfolk State long had relied on government grants for funding beyond tuitions and state support, and such grants are becoming harder to win for many schools. The higher-powered approach to raising their own money seemed to sit well with those at the luncheon.

``Survival!'' laughed Francis C. McDonald, assistant professor of mass communications and journalism. ``I think we need to play a significant part in our own survival. I want the university to succeed. . . . I don't have a problem with it. I make a contribution each year.''

``I think it's needed,'' agreed Robert A. Heard, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation.

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