Former state senator takes over The Westfield State Foundation, Inc.
Michael Knapik is the new head of University Advancement. He is also a hometown guy with a rich career in public service.
Born in Westfield, Knapik was a member of the Westfield School Committee, served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for four years and as a State Senator for 18 years.
As the recently appointed executive director for University Advancement, Knapik will direct University fundraising, working closely with community leaders, alumni, employees, donors and students from various and diverse backgrounds.
“I am here to support the University by growing fundraising and reaching out to new constituencies in a variety of areas,” he says.
He is invigorated by the challenge.
New initiatives
Responsible for two wings of fundraising, Knapik is heading both the University’s Advancement Division and The Westfield State Foundation, Inc.
“We have assembled a new advancement team to maximize our ability to be broadly engaged and active in fundraising,” says Knapik. “Westfield State is such a wonderful school. I know we will be able to share the good works of the students and faculty to a broad array of folks, especially as we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our founding by Horace Mann.”
Knapik spoke about an initiative of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Department of Higher Education through which state universities have been challenged to raise funds for student internships; this will be a key focus of the Advancement Division and the Foundation in the spring semester, he says.
Knapik explains that the University has been asked to raise $124,000 for the internship program, and this amount will be matched dollar for dollar for a total of $248,000. “This is only the second year the legislature has made this particular matching program available,” he says.
Currently, many internships at the University are paid for by employers; others are solely offered for academic credit. These monies will help support the students as they work in the community.
Internships in this incentive program will focus on careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and financial services and health. The initiative addresses the need for Massachusetts to have and retain the “best educated workforce and citizenry in the nation,” Knapik says.
Other initiatives include growing student scholarship funds, partnering with academic departments to address their needs and engaging in a capital fundraising plan for the new STEM academic building.
Overseeing the Foundation
Knapik also manages the Westfield State University Foundation, Inc., with a board of directors made up of respected community professionals. Knapik says, “The Foundation develops, fosters and cultivates relationships with external constituencies, including alumni, friends, business leaders, private foundations and residents of the Westfield and Springfield areas and beyond.”
Working closely with Board President Ed Marth, Knapik says, “We are working to create a long-term strategic plan, better engage with alumni, connect with our historic base and raise needed funds.”
The Foundation also sponsored a luncheon for Katherine Dower-Gold, Ph.D., in October 2013. “Dr. Dower-Gold has created a scholarship for music students, and we invited former and current students and faculty to join us in an appreciation luncheon during Homecoming,” says Knapik.
Knapik is engaged with the campus administration as well, working with the Financial Aid office to fund scholarships. Knapik wants to enhance Foundation giving to enable Westfield State to offer more scholarships, book scholarships and identify other way to lessen the financial burden on students.
“The need is very large, and I believe we can be a powerful partner,” says Knapik.
