Puzzled. Honored. Amazed. Grateful. Thrilled. These words summarize the multitude of emotions I experienced when FACS Director of Development Katrina Bowers announced the establishment of the Sharon Y. Nickols International Study Award Fund at the December 2001 College Convocation.

Katrina’s announcement about a deviation in the program was puzzling. All the graduates had been recognized and it was time to begin the recessional. I was truly honored when Katrina announced that an International Study Award fund had been established in honor of my ten years service as Dean. Then I was amazed to learn that more than 200 people had contributed to the fund and their gifts totaled over $ 40,000! I continue to be grateful for the recognition, but more importantly, I’m grateful for the wonderful support you have given me as we have moved our College forward during the past decade. Far into the future FACS students will expand their educational experiences with support from this fund. I am thrilled. On my behalf and theirs, THANK YOU!

FACS Magazine Managing Editor Denise Horton has assembled an exciting issue focusing on entrepreneurs. The stories illustrate the point we often make to current students that the knowledge gained from earning a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences provides not just the basis for a career in a traditional FACS field, but also the foundation for working in emerging areas or becoming an entrepreneur. Becoming an entrepreneur also takes vision, creativity, and risk- taking.

It seems to me that there is a connection between the creative energy needed to establish a new endowment to benefit the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the vision of entrepreneurs. It is summarized by these words: Thinking outside the box means nothing unless you actually step outside the box.

As the College plans creatively for the future and continues to maintain our stature in research, teaching, outreach and public service, we have many opportunities to further enhance our programs. Now is the time for those who have been thinking about creating an endowed professorship, scholarship, or other special fund to honor a family member or valued colleague, or to leave your own legacy, to step forward.

Enhancement at a publicly supported university requires private gifts. There are many financial strategies for accomplishing this. My husband Sam and I are working on our goal of an endowed professorship in the College. What is your development vision? Either Katrina Bowers or I will be happy to discuss your goals with you. You too can feel those emotions of satisfaction, elation, and pride as you invest in the FACS future.

Sharon Y. Nickols, Dean