With an aim to educate the entire law school community of the importance of supporting its law school, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law kicked off its 2008-09 annual fund campaign with a new approach.

Three months in, that approach is producing results. Generous support from donors across the board has already greatly exceeded giving rates in years past. Looking to overcome previous giving percentages, several new initiatives were taken to encourage giving from across the spectrum of donors. Specific campaigns for members of the staff and faculty were created for the first time this year.

Notably, contributions from law school staff have generated more than $5,700. During the month of October, staff teams made up of four and five members each raised money through fundraising endeavors that included everything from bake sales to online bingo. The teams raised more than $5,700 in four weeks, with the top team bringing in more than $800. Faculty giving rates have already reached 50 percent, the highest figure to date.

“I am so pleased by the efforts that were taken to make the annual fund staff campaign a success,” Dean Frederic White said. “Including Texas Wesleyan, I have had the pleasure of serving as a faculty member at three law schools, and I have visited many others over the years. None of the staff members at these other schools compare with the hard work, team spirit and energy of the Texas Wesleyan law staff.”

Casey Dyer, director of alumni relations and external affairs, and head of the annual fund campaign, said that the staff campaign set the tone for what makes Texas Wesleyan School of Law unique.

“Through the staff campaign, I saw the generosity of many individuals working together to help our students,” Dyer said. “They spent their time, energy and efforts on strengthening our community. To me, that is priceless, and it is what sets Texas Wesleyan apart from other law schools – a true sense of community.”

“Additionally, I am thrilled by the number of alumni who have showed a renewed interest in the school,” Dyer said. “Their support is invaluable, and is it wonderful to see so many alums take an interest in their alma mater, be it through the act of a donation or participation in alumni functions and leadership positions. Their passion for and continued interest in the law school, combined with that of the faculty and staff, is what will make this campaign a success.”

Alumni giving rates for the campaign are currently at 4.5 percent, more than halfway to the 5 percent goal that has been set for the fall semester. The spring semester goal has also been set at 5 percent, making the goal for the 2008-09 campaign 10 percent, or 264 alumni.

The fall alumni web site campaign is available until Dec. 15. The annual fund will end on May 31.