Wayne State University held its annual Investors Luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club in October. More than 120 alumni and friends attended the event that recognizes donors who have made a long-term investment in the university. David Ripple, vice president for Development and Alumni Affairs and president of the Wayne State University Foundation, expressed gratitude on behalf of the university. "This event is our opportunity to tell you how deeply we appreciate your support," he said. "Your contributions strengthen Wayne State and provide important resources for our students and faculty, research, and community programs."

The luncheon featured a presentation by Paul Glantz, chair of the Wayne State University Foundation Investment Committee. Glantz reported that the Wayne State endowment totaled $248.7 million as of June 30, 2012, the close of the academic year. "The Wayne State University endowment has a carefully designed investment policy with asset allocation that ensures a diversified portfolio," he said. "Our long-term outlook focuses on growth, and I believe we will continue to build a strong endowment for this next year and far into the future."

The event program also included donors and student scholarship recipients. Charles F. Otis, B.B. '83, with his partner Dr. Jeffrey L. Reider, established a scholarship in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of History. Mr. Otis spoke about the importance of giving back to his alma mater and his wish to encourage others to do so. Joelle Del Rose, the current recipient of the Otis award, is conducting research in England with support from Mr. Otis' and Dr. Reider's scholarship. She has reported back that she is finding significant material there.

Dr. Timothy Butler, an associate professor in the School of Business Administration with more than 20 years of service to the university, spoke about the scholarship he established with his wife, Beverly. Together they created the Rebecca Joy Butler Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the School of Business Administration in memory of their daughter, who passed away in May 2011 at the age of 20 while on a three-year waiting list for a lung transplant. In addition to establishing the scholarship, the Butlers are involved in the Gift of Life Michigan, an annual campus challenge to register individuals for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. This year Rebecca's sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, assisted in the effort and Wayne State University won the six-week competition among 18 Michigan colleges and universities, with a total of 1,122 students and faculty members adding their names to the list.

Wayne State student Erika Malcum, a management major in the School of Business Administration, talked about the support she received from the Berman Foundation Scholarship. "From a young age, I envisioned myself as a successful, college educated professional - my family's first college graduate. But, after two years at Wayne State, I needed to provide for my family," Malcum said. "I was truly devastated having to take a break from school." After receiving the Berman Scholarship, she was able to return to school. "Because of the generosity of the Berman Foundation, I was given the opportunity to change the trajectory of my life," she said. Malcum plans to graduate in December 2013 with a degree in business administration, specializing in human resource management.

Christopher Braz, a dance performance major in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, also shared his Wayne State story with those in attendance. Braz received the Edmund Ruffin Endowed Scholarship, which has provided tuition support for students since 1963 and is one of Wayne State's oldest endowed scholarship funds. "Because of donors like you, Wayne State has simply changed my life and given me something so special-a chance at an amazing future," Braz said. "Thank you all for your generosity."

Donors to the endowment help support Wayne State over the long term. The endowment provides annual income for programs and initiatives across the university. From July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, donors established 38 new endowed funds, including 29 scholarships. Nearly two-thirds of the total endowment supports students and faculty.