College Wayne State

4
Phyllis Conner
Vice President for Development and Executive Director
of the Wayne State Foundation
The Wayne State Foundation experienced another exceptional year in fund raising and as a result
was able to directly help more students and to accomplish other strategic initiatives it shares
with Wayne State College. The foundation’s important work enhancing the learning environment
and helping students through scholarship support is possible because of the supporters listed
within this publication.
Providing scholarships to Wayne State College students has always been a primary focus of the
foundation and on Sept. 27, 2007 the first annual scholarship luncheon was held in the Frye
Conference Suite in the student center on the Wayne State campus. Scholarship donors were
invited to join their scholarship recipients for lunch and a brief program that featured students
who spoke about the impact of their scholarship and their education at Wayne State. Amy Cech
of Howells, Neb., and Brandon Wiebelhaus of Phoenix, Ariz., spoke about how their scholarships
helped them focus on academics and have only two jobs instead of three. Brandon, a senior,
spoke enthusiastically about what a great fit Wayne State was for him after attending two other
colleges. He plans to enroll in a masters program at Wayne State next year.
To the delight of those present, a special rendition of “I Love Life” was sung by alumnus
and foundation trustee, Dr. Dwain Petersen ’55. Dwain regularly sings the Alma Mater at
commencement by personal request of Dr. Richard Collings, Wayne State president. Dwain is a
professor emeritus, Minnesota State University, Mankato.
As you review this issue of the Honor Roll of Donors, please take note of the exciting scholarships
on page XX and the new scholarships established during the past fiscal year, listed on page 8.
To all of our donors, please take pride and pleasure in knowing that your gift to Wayne State
College, at whatever level or whatever designation, makes an enormous difference at this college.
Thank you so very much.