President's Message

R. Sam Griffith
FSU Foundation, Inc.

In the beginning, there were gifts. Local miners, mindful of the need for education for their children, voluntarily contributed a portion of each week’s wages to help fund a teacher’s college in Frostburg.

Today, thousands carry on that tradition with gifts supporting the educational programs, student activities and local services provided through Frostburg State University. As president of the Frostburg State University Foundation, I am excited that the passion and commitment those miners displayed so many years ago lives on.

You will see that passion in the person of Bernard J. (B.J.) Davisson II, Class of 1981, our Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the FSU Foundation, and his leadership of his staff. Some of the staff members you may encounter include Cherie Krug, who has responsibility for procuring major gifts and is overseeing the Old Main Society for those who have remembered FSU in their estate planning; Leslie Reed, director of the Annual Fund who also coordinates fundraising for athletics; and Shannon Gribble, who directs the University’s alumni programs. Those public faces are backed up by a stellar staff who work tirelessly to ensure that Foundation funds are appropriately reported and utilized. All gifts will strengthen the University’s academic programs and infrastructure and provide increased scholarships for exceptional students.

The FSU Foundation Board is undergoing some changes as long-time members complete their service, and new members are welcomed and new leaders emerge. It is those dedicated volunteers for the FSU Alumni Association and the FSUF Board who are the enthusiastic advocates and communicators of our mission and who will help us achieve our goals.

This is an exciting time for Frostburg State University and for our Foundation. Even in light of challenging economic times, enrollment is increasing, faculty and student research is adding to the body of knowledge in many disciplines, and the University’s commitment to the total student experience continues to shine in programs such as learning communities and volunteer programs. Learn more about how you can support our students and programs by clicking on the links on the left side of the page.

Thank you for all you do – and all you are about to do – for our students.