Campus News

January 7, 2011

Strategic Plan Update

A culture of giving


Through MyEmory, employees are contributing both intellectually and philanthropically to Emory’s vision, helping to educate future leaders, support vital research and serve communities at home and abroad.

MyEmory is the employee component of Campaign Emory—Emory’s $1.6 billion fundraising endeavor—which is combining the power of private support with the University’s unique people and programs in order to enable its strategic plan to flourish.

As of Sept. 30, 2010 MyEmory surpassed its monetary goal of $50 million, a milestone that emphasizes the importance of employees to Emory’s success.

Integral to this effort are the faculty, staff and retirees who have supported countless priorities in every school and unit at Emory.

Employed at Emory since 1996, Anne Stainback has found many ways to get involved. She’s been a Theater Emory volunteer, an usher at Commencement, a patient, and a donor. Now she’s a MyEmory volunteer leader as well. Her MyEmory gifts support the theater, medical research and patient care.

“If you are inclined to give—give here,” Stainback says. “If you are able to give—where does your passion lie? Did you attend a concert you enjoyed? A play? A visual arts show? Is there a program that intrigues you? Is there a health cause you can get behind? There are so many options if you look around.”

Widespread response to the new employee annual giving program confirms that employees’ dedication to Emory goes beyond what they already contribute in time and talent.

Employees and retirees from every school and unit have risen to the MyEmory challenge, contributing to scholarships, patient care, the arts, research and countless other priorities, supporting areas important to them and to the University.

“Emory's commitment to a variety of community and
 social justice programs demonstrates the level of
care for the Atlanta community and the world. I am an Emory donor so that I can make my small contribution to the improvement of humanity and the world we live in.”

-Alex Christian

Andrew Shahan, who works in the Office of University Events, ensures that Emory’s guests have the best possible experience. Hoping to create a smooth experience for Emory students as well, he directs his MyEmory gifts to the Emory Advantage financial aid program.

“I remember struggling in college to pay my way through, and if my small part can help a deserving student, then 
I couldn’t hope for a better reward,” Shahan says.

In individual schools and units, employees have thoughtfully chosen those areas at Emory that make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. As of Oct. 31, 2010, 3,321 employees had contributed to MyEmory, and the goal is for that number to reach 4,000 within the next two years.

In her 29 years at Emory, Gloria Burkett has collected countless memories: hearing a heart transplant patient sing, reading names on the AIDS quilt, learning about Emory’s medical research and visiting the Carlos Museum are among them.

Now the executive administrative assistant in the Office of the General Counsel, she supports MyEmory because she values the Emory community.

“Although Emory has grown tremendously in the years I have worked here, and it truly is a global institution, it is still my community, my friends, my family,” Burkett says. “I like to think I contribute in a positive way to Emory’s mission. Each of us can make a difference.”

MyEmory offers limitless opportunities to support academics, health care, social action, and even fellow employees with annual gifts.

Alex Christian came to Emory in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his New Orleans home. Because of Emory’s commitment to equity and inclusion, working here has made him feel at home again.

A web communications specialist in the Office of Community and Diversity, he directs his MyEmory gifts to the Emory Pride Banquet, an annual event that brings together members of Emory’s LGBT community and its allies in celebration of Emory’s LGBT history and culture.

“Emory’s commitment to a variety of community and
social justice programs demonstrates the level of
care for the Atlanta community and the world. I am an Emory donor so that I can make my small contribution to the improvement of humanity and the world we live in,” he says.

File Options

  • Print Icon Print