Grambling State University hosted the official “Bring It Home” 2018 Reception with GSU’s President Richard J. Gallot, Jr. This event was held for the faculty giving back to the university through the Office of Institutional Advancement.
The Bring It Home Campaign is a partnership between GSU, Grambling State University Foundation, Inc. and Grambling University National Alumni Association in an effort to raise $1 million for continued institutional growth and the execution of the university’s mission.
This campaign is focused on improving the university’s overall alumni giving ratio. Through the efforts of the 2017 Bring it Home Campaign, the university increased its giving ratio from 2.1% to 8%.
On Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, approximately 50 faculty and staff members paraded the Black and Gold Room on GSU’s campus to kick start the campaign. This year, the new slogan “All in,” was introduced to the faculty and staff, and they were able to come together with breakfast before they give back. Grits, fried fish, and eggs were among some of the things served at this breakfast.
Joyce Evans from KGRM radio station emceed the event that included speakers from the leaders on campus: President Gallot, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Mark Newman, and Director of Development Talmon Butler.
Gallot, who sported a goatee which he mentioned was due to keeping a happy wife, addressed the crowd with a speech. “My wife and I will be the first to give every year, we will never first ask before we give,” said Gallot.
Not only does the faculty and staff give back to the campaign, but corporate sponsors, and alumni make up a big part of that.
In 2018, GSU raised $1.2 million with the Bring it Home campaign, $500,000 in new scholarships and grants to help students and faculty, 10 new corporate partners, and an 8% increase in alumni giving.
The Bring it Home Campaign has five key areas of focus: scholarship support, endowment growth, facilities improvements, faculty support, and state budget cuts.
“As we continue to improve the university, let us keep the students first in our mind then it will continue to improve. I am so proud of our students during their internships over the summer representing us so well. So I need you to know I’m all in,” said Gallot in conclusion.
You can give on the official Grambling State University website, www.gram.edu/giving.