The Washburn Endowment Association is calling it a day for the 2008-2009 Faculty/Staff Giving Campaign after a successful run of fundraisers and interactive activities.

The campaign is an annual fundraising effort directed at faculty and staff, as well as Washburn Endowment Association trustees and the Washburn University Board of Regents. The money raised during the campaign benefits students and faculty by providing items that the university might not otherwise be able to afford through its general budget, said Julie Mazachek, CEO of the WEA.

The campaign consists of a series of fundraisers and promotions that encourage people to donate to the fund. This year’s campaign included activities such as the Bodmobile Pine Wood Derby, Ice Cream with Mr. Freeze and the Bodman Buddy Trials-A-Batty Triathlon. The goal was to raise money through interactive competitions and promotion of the campaign.

This year’s “Bodman” theme even saw President Jerry Farley in a batman suit, accompanied by his trusty sidekick Robin, played by Robin Bowen, vice president of academic affairs. The duo battled villains and thwarted evil as they fought to secure this year’s earnings in the 2008-09 campaign video posted on the faculty/staff Web site.

In the campaign video, Bowen said, “This act of charity created the culture of giving at Washburn that continues today through the annual campaign,” in reference to the donation made by Ichabod Washburn to then Lincoln College.

Overall, this year’s efforts raised a total of $115,821. These earnings help buy supplies for the Mobile Health clinic, allow continued research in the science/chemistry departments, and provide classrooms with projectors and laser pointers. The campaign continues to provide additional opportunities for the students and faculty at Washburn, and provide for further excellence in education.

Funds donated to the Endowment Association also provide for student scholarships, faculty support, technology and equipment updates.