BearsWIN — Women’s Impact Network — is a new group of advocates who honor the impact of women by addressing some of the most pressing needs of students at MSU.
They optimize time, talent and resources to turn big ideas into measurable and meaningful change.
Research shows that women are the driving forces behind many philanthropic decisions and that women’s philanthropy tends to be based on having empathy for others.
To recognize this distinct role, the Missouri State University Foundation has started the BearsWIN, or Women’s Impact Network. This initiative encourages everyone to celebrate and honor the impact of women.
Members of BearsWIN are able to give time, talent, treasure and/or testimony.
Most of all, the goal of this initiative is to make a long-lasting and positive impact on Missouri State University.
Focusing on women’s philanthropy
Two years ago, the Missouri State University Foundation began working with Kathleen Loehr, a leading national expert on women’s philanthropy.
“MSU is one of the first public schools in the Midwest to integrate women’s philanthropy across its strategies,” Loehr said. “BearsWIN is elevating all that women bring to support MSU’s students and priorities.”
Internal analysis showed women participated in giving at rates nearly equal to men, but gave at lower levels.
To better understand why women were giving at lower levels, Loehr conducted focus group discussions for alumni and friends to find out what is important to them in regard to philanthropy and at MSU.
Women noted they were involved in the decisions for philanthropic giving and were looking for an initiative that would resonate with them.
As a result, the BearsWIN advisory committee of 19 individuals was established in 2022.
“We want to connect with alumni and friends across the country about the significant and direct effect the Bears Women’s Impact Network can and will have on Missouri State students,” said Wendy Ferguson, assistant vice president for development and strategy.
“We invite anyone who celebrates the incredible influence of women or has a passion for these initial funding priorities to join us.”
Network to be publicly unveiled on February 28.
The BearsWIN initiative provides an opportunity to give not only monetarily, but through time and talent.
The advisory committee and subcommittees meet regularly to ensure the success of this initiative, both now and into the future.
With their guidance, a mission statement was created, initial fundraising priorities were developed, a website was established and a logo was selected.
Their hard work and dedication culminated with the establishment of three new funds at the foundation and a soft launch in fall 2023.
To assist with the public kickoff BearsWIN, Danica Patrick will be on campus Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Patrick, renowned for her groundbreaking career in motorsports, entrepreneurship and dedication to causes that truly matter. The event is free and open to the public thanks to the presenting sponsor, Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic – Mary and Jeff Schrag.
Prior to the keynote presentation, guests are invited to attend the VIP Experience. This exclusive event is sponsored by Central Bank and Central Trust and includes a photo with Danica, cocktails, drinks and hors d’oeuvers and reserved seating. The VIP Experience costs $150 and has limited seating.
Register for the VIP Experience
Danica Patrick’s visit to Missouri State University is made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic, Mary and Jeff Schrag, VIP Experience sponsor, Central Bank and Central Trust and additional support from Kevin and Marla Elliott, Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks and KY3, Springfield, Missouri’s NBC TV affiliate.
BearsWIN supports key areas
By 2026, BearsWIN hopes to celebrate raising awareness and at least $500,000 for three areas that affect students from all backgrounds across the MSU system:
- Mental wellness: Nationwide, college students name mental wellness as a top concern. Magers Health and Wellness Center identified affordability, stigma and privacy as the primary reasons students do not seek mental-wellness care. The BearsWIN Mental Wellness Fund provides financial assistance for students seeking counseling or psychiatric services at Magers.
- Degree completion: The university offers a one-time grant to assist students who are experiencing circumstances that result in an outstanding balance with the university that prevents them from either continuing their enrollment, registering for a future semester or graduating from MSU. The BearsWIN Degree Completion Fund was established to assist students who have exhausted other areas of financial assistance and may not qualify for the campus grant, but still have some financial-support needs in order to complete a degree.
- Mental wellness and neurodiversity on the West Plains campus: In fall 2022, Missouri State University-West Plains started the ASCEND (Autism Support Can Empower New Directions) program for students on the autism disorders spectrum who are transitioning out of high school. Students in the ASCEND program receive service in academic support, executive functions development, social strategy support and daily living transitions. ASCEND encourages and fosters self-confidence, self-advocacy and growing independence while students work toward an associate’s degree. The Grizzlies WIN Mental Wellness and Neurodiversity Fund at MSU-West Plains benefits these students.
Ferguson said support for these areas will have a far-reaching effect. “We’re not just asking for money to show dollars and totals on a page. We’re inviting people to join us in this effort because it will provide positive change for so many current and future students. The impact of these funds will create a meaningful difference during a time of crossroads in many students’ lives.”
Thank you to our advisory committee members!
BearsWIN is a direct result of the efforts and contributions of our talented committee members. With the support and input from these alumni, faculty, staff and friends, this initiative is set to blaze new trails at Missouri State and for the MSU Foundation.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSCommittee Members |
STAFF COMMITTEE MEMBERSWendy Ferguson, assistant vice president for development and strategy |
VISIONARIES
Thanks to the generosity of our visionaries, the first three priority funds have been established for BearsWIN!
Cindy & Chuck Busby Scott Carter Rhonda Christopher Jacqui Coones Amy Counts Marla & Kevin Elliott Wendy Ferguson Jennifer Fizmaurice Matt Harthcock TJ Swift House Tracey Hollis Katie Hope & George Heinz Cindy Howell Beverly & Mike Keltner Denise & Lance Kettering |
Lori Matthews Michelle Moulder Teresa & Richard Ollis Sunie Pace Suzannah Pace Rachel Peterson Angie Pinegar Anna Marie Presutti Libby Rozell & David Rush Carol Silvey Susan Sims-Giddens Gail & Clif Smart Jo Spurrier Tina & Mark Stillwell Mary Tearney |
For more information about BearsWIN or to get involved, visit MSUBearsWIN.org or contact Missouri State University staff.
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