WHY GIVE? - MAKE A YEAR-END DIFFERENCE BY DECEMBER 31, 2012: Minnesota State Mankato has always been a place where big ideas meet real-world thinking. As the University approaches its 150th anniversary, our next big idea is to transform ourselves—and the world.

We've already started on this journey by deploying a new strategic plan designed to break down barriers, create global solutions and achieve a new level of greatness. But we cannot do it without you. Your partnership with us will help turn incremental change into transformation. Give today to The Big Ideas Campaign, join us.

We are deeply grateful for your friendship and generosity to Minnesota State Mankato as we reflect on old and new Maverick friends that made a difference. Whether you'd like to make an annual gift or include Minnesota State Mankato in your will, every gift is significant. And every gift, makes a world of difference to transformation. Thank you for making a difference and positively influencing the lives of our students as you join thousands of other friends and alumni.

ALUMNI, PARENTS, FRIENDS, FACULTY, STAFF, MSU RETIREES, EMERITI AND STUDENTS: The generosity and loyalty of Minnesota State Mankato alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, MSU retirees, emeriti, and students allows us to provide scholarships and financial assistance for hardworking, talented students. Our yearly friends giving participation rate is 10 percent. Support ensures that Minnesota State Mankato has top-notch classrooms, labs, studios, study spaces and facilities. Your support also helps fund innovative programs that prepare students to think creatively and help faculty to be the best educators they can be.

QUESTIONS: If you have questions or would like to talk to someone personally, we're just a phone call away toll free at (800) 662-2705 or (507) 389-6829 to reach Cindy Arndt at the University Development Office.

109,000 SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI & 6 PERCENT: Graduates of Minnesota State Mankato become part of a proud tradition, joining a growing network of 109,000 successful alumni. Our yearly alumni financial giving participation rate is 6 percent. Our alumni are respected and accomplished and go on to excel in their fields, whether in rewarding jobs or by furthering their education. They are professors, community leaders, business executives, award-winning artists, scientists and other key participants in today's global society. No matter how our graduates have made their mark in the world, they've all proven that getting started at Minnesota State Mankato is just the beginning. Check out some of our alumni listed at the below websites that made their dreams a reality and went beyond what they thought possible.

• www.mnsu.edu/giving

• http://www.mnsu.edu/bigideas/

2012 RESULTS: Give to the Max Day on Nov. 15 was exciting for the fourth year in a row. We were thrilled to be one of the 12 top fundraisers on the Colleges & Universities Leaderboard thanks to you! The donor count tracking under the Minnesota State Mankato logo is our all-time donor count. We raised $13,253 through 82 donors, which is amazing! We had a great bonus also as we won a giveMN.org random drawing golden ticket at $1,000.

2011 RESULTS: Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16 was extremely successful for the third year in a row. We were one of the 50 top fundraisers in the higher education category thanks to you! We raised $14,768.75 through 103 donors, simply incredible. Check out the wonderful comments below by your peers.

2010 RESULTS: Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16 was a great year and we raised 86 gifts (an amazing twice as many gifts as last year!) totaling $8,757. We reached #28 on the Extended Leaderboard for the Greater Minnesota Region! Check out the official results. http://givemn.razoo.com/p/gtmd-top50-greatermn

2009 RESULTS: Give to the Max Day on Nov. 17 was amazing for Minnesota State Mankato and we raised 43 gifts totaling $12,055. We sincerely thank all our friends and alumni that gave during those 24 hours from all around the country. Thank you!