Early reports one week before closing the 2009-10 fiscal year show that Hesston College has surpassed its Annual Fund goal for the third straight year, leaving college officials, faculty and staff feeling extremely grateful.
President Howard Keim expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Hesston College community.
“We are grateful to our board for its leadership, our faculty and staff for their dedication and quality work, and to congregations, alumni, friends and Partners who invest in the education of Hesston College students,” he said. “I could feel the excitement on campus grow as the news of this achievement spread.”
The primary purpose of the Annual Fund is to provide institutional scholarships and grants as financial assistance for Hesston College students. About $3 million is needed annually to provide the necessary student financial support. By reaching and exceeding the goal, the college ensures it will continue to make Hesston College an affordable option.
Vice president of Advancement Yvonne Sieber said, “We are pleased and thankful that so many alumni and friends of the college invest annually with gifts that help Hesston College provide affordable financial aid packages to our students.”
In 2009-10, the average student received $11,941 in institutional and government grant money, or 45 percent of the total cost of tuition, room and board, and technology fees for that year. A student’s financial aid award also includes institutional and government loans, and scholarships from their communities, churches, schools and other outside sources. The average financial aid package for the upcoming 2010-11 year totals more than $17,000, about 62 percent of total costs. On average Hesston College covers about 40 percent of tuition with institutional aid.
A team of five development officers do a large portion of the fund raising by traveling and meeting with individuals and churches. Events such as annual golf benefits and the school-sponsored Phone-a-Thon bring in funds as well. Another key component of the college’s fund raising strategy is the Partner program, which includes individuals committed to making an annual gift to Hesston College.
Like many other academic institutions in the United States, Hesston College has not been immune to the effects of the recent economic recession. Staffing levels were decreased in 2008, and necessary tasks re-assigned to existing staff positions. The college has also kept tuition costs, salaries and distributed financial aid consistent over the last several years.
Sieber makes it clear that the efforts and support of Partners, alumni and friends of the college are vital to the continued success and mission of Hesston College.
“We are particularly thankful to the many ongoing members of the Partner program during these years of broader economic recovery,” she said.
Keim echoed her appreciation, “In this economy, and with many places in need of funds, we thank all those who make Mennonite higher education a priority. We do our best to be good stewards of the trust placed in us.”
Located 30 miles North of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.