Overall Rank, New Members Highlight 2012-13 WEF Pledge Drive
Jan. 31, 2013
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The official books were closed on the 2012-13 Williams Education Fund (WEF) Pledge Drive Thursday and collectively WEF members pledged the second-highest total toward unrestricted and scholarship giving of all-time with $16.2 million committed for University of Kansas student-athlete support.
In addition to the near-record pledge total, the 2012-13 drive introduced 536 new members into the Williams Education Fund, while 617 existing WEF donors increased their pledge from the previous year.
“This reaffirms to our student-athletes and coaches the incredible level of support we have from our donors,” said Kansas Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger. “They are one of the most generous and gracious donor groups in the country.”
KU Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts John Hadl agrees with the success of the drive.
“This shows how great our supporters are to Kansas Athletics and the student-athletes,” said Hadl. “We are very appreciative of the loyalty and generosity from our membership.”
Current WEF members will start receiving information regarding the 2013 WEF pledge drive in mid-to-late February. The new drive will apply to all 2013-14 academic year sports, including the 2013 football season and the 2013-14 basketball season. The new timeline was created to simplify the WEF giving cycle and ensure that active donors receive the most membership benefits.
The pledge confirmation deadline is April 19, 2013, and payments must be completed by March 3, 2014.
Originally founded as the Outland Club in 1949 by Dick, Skipper and Odd Williams, the WEF is the official fundraising department for Kansas Athletics. Contributors to the WEF provide academic and athletic support to more than 500 University of Kansas student-athletes representing KU in 18 intercollegiate sports.
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