Say "Yes" to Fisk Fundraising Reception, April 21, 2012

Since 1866, Fisk University has seen its’ graduates impact our nation and the world across many fields; most notably medicine, arts and music, politics, public policy and even sports. Fisk continues to be highly respected for its’ academic programs as it is currently the #1 producer of African-Americans who obtain masters degrees in physics. However, despite this significant achievement and other academic success, our beloved university finds itself at a critical crossroad.

Unfortunately, the university is currently faced with declining enrollments, financial deficits, brand erosion and the prospect of losing its’ accreditation. While our alumni giving over the five-year period ending June 30, 2011 averaged $1, 070, 659.13, our 20 university trustees gave an average of $44, 428.78 over the same period, significantly dwarfing the amount each alumni gives on an annual basis. As friends of Fisk and people of good will we must do better!

Despite its academic record, Fisk has seen its student enrollment decline almost 58% since 2007 having at that time over 940 students, declining to 550 by the end of the 2011 school year. Yet, these challenges, while daunting, if seen through a different lens offer the institution, its’ future president, alumni and supporters the opportunity to truly transform Fisk University by re-inventing itself for the 21st century. But we must deal with our current situation first in order to begin anew. SACS, our accrediting body, is requiring us to raise $8.5M by June 30, 2012.

Our approach to addressing this critical moment in our history must be done with a "Passion for Fisk" like we have never before exhibited, demonstrating energetic endurance and patience with the expectation that something ‘great’ is going to happen!” This fundraising event on April 21^st in Atlanta is an important first step in this process. Similar efforts are taking place in other cities.

Now is the time for us all to take notice of the university’s current circumstances with foresight and understanding, however, time is of the essence and we must respond with a sense of urgency and be willing to stand together and boldly announce that:

I am personally joining with “Atlanta Friends of Fisk to

“Say Yes” to Fisk University’s

commitment to the transformation and reclamation of the title of “Best in Class,”

living up to our motto that

“Fisk Cultivates Scholars and Leaders One by One.”

Say "Yes” to Fisk Atlanta Friends of Fisk Fundraising Reception

April 21, 2012, at 6:00pm

The Borghese, 3286 Northside Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30327

Commitment: $1000.00 per person or more

Inquiries: ld@hope4360.com

Atlanta Friends of Fisk Event Committee

P. Andrew Patterson, '65, Lawrence Drake II, 76, Robyn Sims, 76,

Gwenne Campbell, '74, Linda Gulley, '65, Bernadette Jones, '65

(This event is not affiliated with the Atlanta Fisk Club)

Charles Johnson | Holland & Knight
Partner
1201 West Peachtree Street, N.E., One Atlantic Center, Suite 2000 | Atlanta GA 30309
Phone 404.817.8530 | Fax 404.881.0470
charles.johnson@hklaw.com | www.hklaw.com

________________________________________________
Add to address book | View professional biography