Published: November 21, 2007 10:34 am      

Nelson joins UCO Foundation in annual fund drive

EDMOND — Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007, joins University of Central Oklahoma President W. Roger Webb and the UCO Foundation in asking alumni and friends to support the 2007 UCO Annual Fund in its year-end charitable giving.

Nelson, a music theatre student at UCO, agreed to serve as one of the spokespersons for the UCO Annual Fund drive because she understands personally how essential community support is to college students.

“I came to UCO on a music theatre scholarship. That support helped give me the confidence and education to pursue my many dreams, like becoming Miss America 2007. I hope everyone will help my fellow UCO students realize their own dreams today with a gift to the UCO Annual Fund,” Nelson said.

Like Nelson, many students chose to attend UCO because of the many scholarship opportunities and advanced programs available.

Support of the UCO Annual Fund helps create those opportunities for students and also provides support for faculty and staff professional development, classroom technology updates, library resources and other university projects essential to UCO’s growth and development.

“Participation in the Annual Fund means so much to the UCO family. It’s an affirmation to our students, faculty and staff that they are supported and that the community believes they can make a difference. Knowing others care enough to support their efforts here at UCO means even more than the actual amount given,” said Anne Holzberlein, president of the UCO Foundation.

The Holiday 2007 UCO Annual Fund brochure featuring Nelson will arrive at many homes through the mail soon. For those who may not receive one in the mail, the brochure, which includes a donation form, can also be downloaded from the UCO Foundation Web site at www.ucogiving.org.

Donors can designate their gift to support a specific college, the Chambers Library, the UCO Disabled Sports program or the General Scholarship Endowment. Gifts made to UCO through the UCO Foundation are tax deductible.

For more information or to make special arrangement for a gift, call the UCO Foundation at 974-2770.