Michigan Tech
Trades Helper Helps Raise $2,000 for Campus Campaign

Arnie Parks got a notice in the mail awhile back that listed eight people supporting the Apostolic Lutheran Scholarship Fund at Michigan Tech. He figured that wasn't enough. "I joined it back in 1985 or '86 and didn't think about it. But some of the supporters had retired, or left the area ," he said. "And I know how expensive college is. Those $100 scholarships can really help." Plus, he said, "the more people that give, the better the University looks."

So Parks, a trades helper in Wadsworth Hall, began his own campus campaign. "I put feelers out there," he said. "And I got twenty-two people."

"Arnie's efforts are really paying dividends," said Paula Nutini, director of annual giving. Last year, donations to the church scholarship fund totaled $748. So far during 2000-01, the fund has received $2,063, including gifts from both inside and outside the MTU community.

"The scholarships are only $100 or $200, but it helps buy a book or two, buy gas, or pay the rent," Parks notes. "It's expensive to go here, even if you are living at home. Books cost so much--$500 in a small bag. And the fees! It all adds up."

Parks says members of his church have been funding a variety of Apostolic Lutheran programs locally, including building a new church and a new addition, plus a new sandlot. But he hopes that eventually they'll be able to raise about $10,000 for the MTU scholarship fund, which helps church members in financial need. "Then we could just use the interest," he said.
"Arnie proves that you don't have to be a big donor to make a big difference in the Campus Campaign," Nutini said.

If you'd like to contribute to the Apostolic Lutheran Scholarship Fund or any of the many other Campus Campaign programs, contact Nutini (487-3324, pjnutini@mtu.edu) at the Michigan Tech Fund. And don't forget! Employees making first-time gifts to the University can have their contributions matched by an anonymous campus donor. If you still haven't made a gift in support of Michigan Tech programs, please consider doing so before June 30, the end of the fiscal year. If you do, it will mean substantial bonus dollars to the University and our students.