Soon, anyone walking through Wayne State's Welcome Center and McGregor Memorial Conference Center will witness a new university tradition for donor recognition.

Both locations will prominently display an impressive four-sided kiosk that blends descriptions of the university's giving categories with interactive, multimedia content that incorporates donor lists, photographs, biographical snapshots and testimonials.

Designed to resemble Old Main, the university's iconic landmark, and styled to complement the décor of their locations, the kiosks will offer an attractive format to highlight the important role philanthropy plays in the life of Wayne State.

"The kiosks have the capability of housing and continually displaying lists of donors, as well as the ability to highlight specific individuals or organizations," says Christine Hansen, director of constituent relations for the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs. "The information that can be displayed is just about limitless, giving us ample room to be creative in showcasing our campus, thanking donors and inspiring others to give to the university."

Two static panels will focus on Wayne State's recognition groups, the Anthony Wayne Society and the Old Main Society, and define the criteria to earn membership status.

Membership in the Anthony Wayne Society is conferred with a minimum lifetime cumulative support at 10 levels, ranging from $10,000 to $25 million, which will be listed on the kiosk.

The Old Main Society panel will pay tribute to individuals who provide for the university's future through their estate plans.

The remaining static panel will feature the Honor Roll, which initially will recognize donors who contributed $500,000 or more to Wayne First: The Campaign for Wayne State University.

The rich and interactive multimedia content displayed on one side of the kiosk via touch-screen technology is a major highlight.

"In the past, donors to the College of Engineering, for example, were highlighted in that college's publications and at its special events," Hansen says. "While that format will continue, the kiosks will enable us to include the entire university family, letting everyone know about donors to every school and college."

The kiosk format was chosen for the university's central recognition because it lists the donor's most current recognition level, rather than waiting for the annual or biannual update that is typical to many recognition vehicles.

"Wayne State is fortunate to have the support of so many individuals, corporations and foundations, and we would be remiss if we did not attempt to publicly express our appreciation for their generosity," Hansen says. "Private philanthropy touches the lives of the entire Wayne State community from students and faculty, to administrators and staff. Contributions to scholarships and programs transform lives and that's what the university is all about."

For more information about the Wayne First capital campaign, visit www.giving.wayne.edu.

Regarding the Wayne State article featuring our interactive kiosks, the article ran in Wayne State Magazine: Fall 2008 issue.

Wayne State University