The Honorable Rick Glazier to Lead Methodist University's Loyalty Day Fund Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 1, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—North Carolina State Representative Rick Glazier will lead more than 120 community volunteers as they canvass Cumberland County on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, seeking support for scholarships for Methodist University students. Eighty-five percent of Methodist’s 2,100 students receive financial assistance, and scholarship funding for deserving students is a critical need.

“This year is significant because it is the first Loyalty Day that Methodist will undertake as a university,” said Rep. Glazier. “The new name and status reflect the progress the University has made since the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community came together in 1956 to establish this four-year, independent liberal arts college.”

Fifty-one years ago the group responsible for establishing the Loyalty Day tradition was the Fayetteville College Foundation, originally appointed by the Mayor. Recently, Board members voted to change the name to the Methodist University Foundation Board. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $7 million.

“‘Together We Can Make A Difference: For Our Students, Our Community, Our University,’ is the theme for this year’s campaign,” explained Lauren Cook Wike, director of the University’s annual fund. “Through Loyalty Day, the Foundation Board continues to keep the connection between the community, the university, and our students strong.”

“Loyalty Day is a wonderful display on the part of the volunteers and donors of how much Methodist University and the students mean to them and the future of this community,” said Rebecca Lewis, a junior who is majoring in accounting. “Through every dollar raised, [volunteers and donors] touch the lives of many students who receive financial aid, without which it would not be possible for us to study here and reach our goals.”

This year’s Foundation Board members are Louis C. Feraca, president; Mac Edwards, vice president; Frank K. Barragan III, Treasurer; John B. “Brad” Hurley, immediate past president; Lauren Cook Wike, secretary; Jeffery F. Baker; Bill Bowman; Charles Broadwell; Alan Buffaloe; Jan Cobb; Kevin Dennison ’95; Stephen Driggers ’76; Mark Fisher; Mary Flagg N. Haugh; Bishop Kenneth L. Hill; Gwen Holtsclaw ’68; Lucy T. Jones; Greg Klein; Barbara Lahiff; Jim Pittman; Gayle Nelson; and Anne C. Raper.

The Beasley Broadcasting Group and Cumulus Broadcast have donated public service announcements, which will air on multiple radio stations before the drive. Print advertising and other publicity is also planned.

The Loyalty Day Kick-off Breakfast is scheduled for 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 13 in the Green ’n Gold Café on the Methodist University campus. Media may R.S.V.P. for the Kick-off Breakfast by contacting Melissa Jameson, director of University Events, at (910) 630-7043. For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer for Loyalty Day 2007, call (910) 630-7200, e-mail , or visit www.methodist.edu and see upcoming events.