Press Release for writing and editing

1. CONTACT: Jennette Dielmann, Publicity director
PHONE: (540)-231-1234
EMAIL: jdielma8@vt.edu
September 4, 2014
FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE
FUND OUR FUTURE
Virginia Tech will be hosting a banquet for the “Fund our Future” campaign at the Inn at
Virginia Tech to raise money to support students in need of academic scholarships. “Fund our
Future” is hoping to raise over $1 billion to aid these students.
This banquet will help two undergraduate students receive free tuition, housing, and a $5,000 per
semester stipend, if they are selected. Undergrads who apply for the scholarship plan to be
working in public service after they graduate. Virginia tech is looking to enroll students in the
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses that will integrate the
knowledge they need for solving issues affecting education, public health, or crime in the 21st
century.
Sarah Meerschuam, vice president for University Fundraising, said, “The “Fund our Future”
campaign is unique among college in that it focuses exclusively on the student rather than
infrastructure.” Each scholarship recipient will create a capstone project their senior year that
focuses on using STEM solutions for societal problems. The Student with the best project will
receive on additional stipend of $10,000 at graduation plus an additional $50,000 to implement
their project. All funds will come from the “Fund our Future” program.
In 2011, Virginia Tech had a similar campaign that raised $1.11 billion which is quite an
accomplishment, granted less than 50 colleges have ever raised that much to date. As of now, the
campaign has raised $30 million with a goal of $1 billion by 2017.
Newly appointed president of Virginia Tech, Timothy Sands, will be the keynote speaker at the
event. Hundreds of Virginia Tech’s largest donators were invited to the fundraiser; however
anyone can attend the dinner. The banquet dinner will feature prime rib and lobster for guests.
Individual plates are $1000 and a table of eight can be reserved for $7000. Find out more
information about scheduled events and reserving tickets by visiting: www.fundourfuture.vt.com
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