The definition of partnership according to Webster is: “the strong supporting or endorsement of a side, party, etc 2. strong often unreasoning attachment; blind loyalty”. When we refer to a partner it is defined as a person who takes part or engages in some activity in common with another or others and continues to describe marriage, business and team partners. It was not uncommon for movie goers in the early days of John Wayne to hear him refer to an associate as a partner. For Dr. Phil Birdine, President of Western Oklahoma State College, the word partner or partnership represents a strengthening of shared support of the Western Oklahoma State College President’s Partner Program. The Partner program is sponsored by the WOSC Foundation, Inc. and has provided much needed funding resources for student programs and scholarships that have experienced some decline in revenue provided by the state of Oklahoma. The President’s Partner Program is currently in the seventh year of productivity and has attracted a positive partnership of individuals and business that share in the support of Western Oklahoma State College. Dr. Birdine stated, “It is extremely rewarding for Gloria and me to be listed with this specific foundation’s funding source. It is more rewarding to know that a total of eleven of our colleagues, employees and spouses, join with us through their unselfish financial support of our institution. The participation of our own is a true example of a team effort to encourage others outside the college to join in our effort in providing much needed funding during this time of economic concern.” Larry Duffy, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, sincerely appreciates the eighty-five Western employees that support the Foundation in the amount of over two-thousand dollars per month in payroll deductions. Duffy stated “the combined efforts on the part of our Western family, makes a tremendous impact on funding opportunities provided by the foundation. A special thank you goes to each employee for the level of support they provide. It is always a special demonstration of stewardship when our employees take a major step forward to support a program like the President’s Partner Program.” The newest participants from Western Oklahoma State College faculty and staff are: Doyle and Mary Jencks, Dr. Jason and Stephanie Morrison, Chrystal and Brad Overton and Haley and Matt Thompson. These new Western Partners join with Dr. Phil and Gloria Birdine, Randy and Kyle Cumby (Retired), Larry and Sharon Duffy, Lisa and Jeff Greenlee, Tricia and Dale Latham, Bob and Terri Pearson and Chad and Ericka Wiginton. The 2012 list of President’s Partners total thirty three patrons. In order to become involved in the President’s Partner Program, a donor contributes an annual gift in the amount of one thousand dollars with seven hundred and fifty dollars being deposited in a general unrestricted fund and two hundred and fifty dollars deposited in a restricted President’s Partner Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship endowment is protected funding where only the interest is utilized for annual scholarships. The donor may contribute an outright gift of one thousand dollars or may be billed quarterly in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars. Duffy stated, “The most significant part of the gift is the passion exemplified on the part of the donor to support the college. As the donors demonstrate their benevolence, others recognize their own ability to help with the much needed funding for the benefit of our students here at Western.” Those interested in supporting the WOSC President’s Partner Program or interested in knowing more about the Foundation may call 580/477-7706, e-mail foundation@wosc.edu or visit our website at www.wosc.edu.
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