Online Contribution Options
Each year, the Communication Studies Department receives donations from friends and alumni, whose charitable contributions through the university's directed giving program help the department maintain a quality academic program. There are three donation options available for those interested in contributing to the ongoing mission of the department: The department general fund, the James R. (Bob) Emmel Faculty Development Fund, and the Harry Sharp, Jr. Forensics Endowment. For additional information about directed giving, click on the link below. If you are prepared to make a donation now, clicking on the title for one of the department donation options below will route you to the donations secure website with the college, department, and fund information already filled in.
Cal Poly Giving Home Page. Find out more about contributing to the university and the various ways you can choose to donate. If you choose to make an immediate online donation, you will find a link to the donations secure website. Be sure to direct your contribution to the Communication Studies Department or one of its funds.
Communication Studies Department General Fund. Direct your contribution to the Communication Studies Department discretionary fund. Your contribution will help fund the general mission of the department by augmenting the department operating budget and serving as a source of funds for expenditures not covered by the university budgeting process.
James R. (Bob) Emmel Faculty Development Fund. Named in honor of Dr. Bob Emmel, the first chair of what is now the Communication Studies Department. Throughout his long tenure at the university, Dr. Emmel championed any program that made resources available to assist faculty in pursuing their own research and scholarship interests. Upon his retirement, Dr. Emmel started the Faculty Development Fund, and for many years provided a generous donation to keep it afloat. Dr. James R. (Bob) Emmel passed away in December 2007, and in appreciation for his many years of service and friendship to the Department, the fund has been renamed in his honor.
Harry Sharp, Jr. Forensics (Debate) Endowment. Direct your contribution to the Professor Harry Sharp, Jr. Forensics Endowment. Your contribution will help the endowment principal grow. The Sharp Forensics Endowment was established as a retirement gift to the university by former Director of Forensics, Speech Communication Department Chair, and Dean of Liberal Arts Harry Sharp, Jr. The endowment principal is held in trust, while the annual earnings help support debate team activities.