The Wichita State University Foundation

The Wichita State University Foundation is the official fundraising and fund-management organization for Wichita State University. The WSU Foundation was established in 1965. As a non-profit corporation under the laws of Kansas, its purpose was, and continues to be, to increase private support for the educational undertakings of Wichita State University, a state-assisted Division I institution with an enrollment of more than 14,000.

By securing such gifts as money or other property, the WSU Foundation supports the university's mission to individual learning in an urban setting through teaching, scholarship and public service. The Foundation staff provides this support by identifying, cultivating and maintaining donor relationships, and managing resources to enable students and faculty to excel. Beginning 44 years ago from $0, the Foundation is now valued at $170 million, as of fiscal year 2009. Since 1991, it has more than tripled in size.

Many people carry out the WSU Foundation's daily work. They include the board of directors, the National Advisory Council, full- and part-time staff members, WSU student assistants and WSU students who call new and returning donors during annual fund-raising campaigns. Daily operations take place in the Woodman Alumni Center, located on the northeast side of the campus, next to the Marcus Welcome Center. The WSU Foundation, led by Dr. Elizabeth H. King, president and CEO, is organized in three divisions–development, finance and administration, and planned giving and development services.