Each year, Ohio University's Classified Senate sells blankets to raise money for scholarships, but the recent recession has forced the senate to cut the number of scholarships it offers.
Classified Senate holds a yearlong fundraiser, selling OU-themed coverlet blankets and other merchandise to raise money for five student scholarships. This school year, however, the senate could only offer two scholarships for regional campus and non-traditional students, said Classified Senate Chair George Cheripko.
Previously, the senate also awarded a multicultural, an academic-based and an Appalachian scholarship to students.
A big part of the reduction had to do with the economy, Cheripko said, noting a decline in sales this past year. During the past four years, Classified Senate used funds from its own budget to keep the scholarships at $1,000 per student, he added, giving $2,334 for the five awards during the 2009-10 school year and $700 for the two awards during 2010-11 school year.
We didn't want to see the whole thing collapse
Cheripko said. ... we're here to be a voice for Classified Senate but the other thing is we're here to help students.
Misty Hutchison, the chair of the Coverlet and Scholarship and Employee of the Month committees, said that the senate sells the merchandise at events throughout the year, including the homecoming parade and graduation.
We get a lot from people retiring and graduation gifts Hutchison said.
The Senate also receives $25 a month from Human Resources and the president's office, which buys an OU-themed pillow for the Classified Employee of the Month, Hutchison added.
Despite prior decreases in sales, classified senators hope their efforts will be more successful this year.
Two years ago, the senate created a website to advertise its products and added the OU-themed pillow, canvas tote, Bobcat stuffed animal, earrings and charm, Cheripko said. The senate's ultimate goal, he added, is to offer five scholarships once again funded solely through the product sales.
We were trying to spruce it up
Cheripko said. It would be nice to come up with other avenues (to advertise) ... we're trying to push ourselves.
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Pat Holmes
