Dear Alumni and Friends:

Our students need our help.

The current economic downturn is narrowing their opportunities for finding the money to continue in college. Financial aid that was available yesterday may not be there tomorrow unless we do what we can to fill in the gap.

Three out of every five Texas State students receive financial aid in order to attend. Many of those receive scholarships that are generated from interest on established endowments. But with the current lack of return on investments, there is no interest; these scholarships cannot be given. Sixty percent of Texas State scholarships now fall into this category. And if the market miraculously recovered this very day, it would take us at least two years to make up the loss.

Faculty and staff members have urged us to do something to keep these funds available for students who depend on them. Responding to their concern, we are launching the Texas State Takes Action Initiative, asking people whose lives have been touched by Texas State University to come to the aid of these students.

Give now, whatever you can. Every dollar is important and makes a difference. Gifts of $1,000 or more will make donors President’s Associates.

Our initiative has a short timeline: We must have these funds by June 30 in order to award them for the fall semester. I look forward to your response, and I will keep you informed of our progress.

Many thanks to all of you who do so much for Texas State.

Denise M.Trauth, President