Passion for Paw-lice Work: Susan Cameron's gift gives back to ISUPD and Community Engagement Unit By Hannah Uranich February 11,2020 "9 and te ISUPD Communty Engagement Un People often ask, “What are you passionate about” Sometimes Ic rakes 2 whole lifetime to answer that passion for dogs and supporting law enforcement witn a gtft during tne Redbirds Ris Ever since her youth, Cameron has beer wiacching police telavision shows such =: wanted to emulate the st-ong fem: 0 law enforcemant and criminal justice, constantly Yoman and Cagney ond Lacey. She admired andWhen ic came time for college, Cameron chose Illinois Scate. She considered enrolling in the criminal justice program but decided to study office administration so that she could continue to help her family's business. After graduating, Cameron got a Joo at tne University and continued with tne family business during her off-hours. She worked in the Office of tne Comptroller prior to her retirement in 201 “We are so grateful that Susan has taken such an interest in supporting our work. Her gift is the largest ISUPD has received, and it’s allowing us to consider opportunities we never thought would be possible,” - Chief Woodruff Despite being an alumna and employee, she did not feel a real connection with the University. “I felt like | missed out on the connection | always wanted, My husband was involved in the Athletics side of the University, but that never spoke to me,” said Cameron, ne day while visiting the ISU website, Cameron stumbled upon news of the “Pevefficer” program Initiated through the University Police Department (ISUPD). The department launched a successful crowdfuncing project to further enhance its community outreach efforts, raising the money needed to purchase @ community engagement dog, Sage is e black Labrador retriever that greets individuals, attends university events, suppor's victims of crimes, and nas nelped increase recognition of tne department's services. Cameron recognized an opportunity trat combined her interests and wanted to become mors Involved with Sage. She worked with ISUPD and University Advancement to determine how she could support Sage and the police department.Despite being an alumna and employee, she did not feel a real connection with the University. "I felt like | missed out on the connection | always wanted. My husband was involved in the Athletics side of the University, but tnat never spoke to ma,” sald Cameron, (One day while visiting the ISU website, Cameron stumbled upon news of the “Pavefficer" program Inidated tnrougn the University Police Department (ISUPD). The department launched a successful cowafunding project to further enhance its community outreach efforts raising the money needed to purchase a community engagement dog. Sage Is 4 black Labrador retriever that greets incividuals, attends university events, supports victims of crimes, and has helped increase recognition of the cepartment’s services. Cameron recognized an opportunity thet combined her interests and wanted to become more Involved with Sage. Sne worked witn ISUPD and University Advancement to determine how she could support Sage and the police department. ‘She decided to make an additional eft hat provides for Sage's personal care, entertainment, and attire. Her donation covers food and vetennarian care, toys and treats, and uniforms. Cameron's gift supports Sage's Community Engagement Unit and the ISUPD broadly “We are so grateful that Susan has taken such an interest in supporting our wark. Har gift is the largest ISUPD nas racetvad, and its allowing usto consider opportunities we never thought would b= possible,” said ISUPD's Chief Aaron Woodrutt The connection that Cameron was missing was finally forged “My love for law enforcement and wanting to contribute to their IsUFD communty ergagemert wrk has bean fulfilled by helping Sage and the Communcty ig Pont Engagement Program reach their goals,” said Cameron. She feels, honored and blessed to have this opportunity to help the entire campus ‘The ISUPD officers make campus function. They are on the frontiines. We dont hesitate calling them ven we need help, but lke any other degertment, they have to work through their own budget constraints and obtain resources. You hear about donations going to scholarships and education, but ot to departments lke ISUPD,” sald Cameron Cameron's gift allowed nar to get involved in law enforcement in a way she never anticipated. She hopes to meke additional gifts for several more yeers, advancing the efforts of Sage and the ISUPD. You can be “paw’some too by supporting the Community Engagement Unit and ISLIPD, like Susan. Gre Now