President’s Circle reception honors donors

The first Presidents Circle reception was March 6 in the ballroom at the NSU-Broken Arrow campus. The reception was the inaugural event to recognize and thank outstanding donors for 2009.

Members of the Presidents Circle were treated to food and beverages and an opportunity to meet NSU president Don Betz. They were also recognized for their generosity and shown how their contributions help the university.

In 2009, a total of 2,219 donors made 5,390 contributions to the NSU Foundation amounting to $1,975,045. According to John Gyllin, director of Development and executive director of the Foundation. The numbers are all-time highs for the university in a given year.

Support for athletics also increased to its highest level since 2004. Faculty and staff support has almost tripled since 2004.

We are truly blessed to have such wonderful and supportive friends and we hope everyone is appreciated for their outstanding support, Gyllin said.

Membership in the Presidents Circle is open to donors who make annual contributions to NSU amounting to at least $1,000. Lifetime contributors of $10,000 or more were also recognized at the reception.

The Foundation wants to make the Presidents Circle reception an annual event. While NSU-BA hosted the reception this year, the Foundation intends to have all three campuses take turns hosting. Next year's planned site is Tahlequah as part of Founders Day Weekend.