by Christa Gardner
November 12, 2007

Without the support of the Women’s Auxiliary, PLNU students would not enjoy many of the luxuries that they do now. Whether it is newly renovated dorms, the Sunset Deck or a cake delivered on a birthday, Women’s Auxiliary has a hand in it. This year, the Auxiliary will be celebrating its 40th year of serving Pasadena and PLNU.

Women’s Auxiliary “is misunderstood because I’m not sure a lot of people know what we do and why,” said Kathi Kietzke, the ministry president of six years. “We do something that touches the life of every student on campus.”

Because it is an auxiliary that does not raise money for any particular major, Women’s Auxiliary is generally unknown to many students. That has not stopped them from raising more than $1.7 million for donations and gifts for the school. 

To start celebrating its anniversary, the ministry held a luncheon in April. During Homecoming week, there will be balloons placed on some of its projects with signs describing the money raised and the idea behind it. The women will have a festive booth set up with a chance for anyone to win one of six “beautiful baskets,” said Kietzke.

“Since the commons is celebrating its 10th birthday, and one of our projects was $250,000 for the lounge outside the dining area, we’re going to join the party with them,” said Myrna May, who is in charge of projects.

Homecoming is a time when most of the money is donated to the ministry from alumni and the community, and since this year is an important one, the ministry is looking forward to celebrating.

“There is no funding or large sums of money that are given. That’s how we’re different from other auxiliaries,” said Kietzke. “Each dollar is made by money from parents for cakes, garage sales and silent auctions. It is made piece by piece, dollar by dollar.”

The Women’s Auxiliary has committed to give $100,000 to the lobby of Smee Hall over the course of three years.

“As a Christian university, the religion department should be the hub of campus,” Kietzke said. “We are just so happy to be part of something in which God’s name is glorified and praised.”

Some of the projects in which the Women’s Auxiliary played a significant part include the statue titled “The Calling” and the clock tower—both of which were suggestions made by students when May was Auxiliary president—as well as the brick walkway on the campus mall and mattresses and carpet for dorms.

“I want [students] to know Women’s Auxiliary exists, and we’re here to pray for them, to see what their needs are,” said Kietzke. “It exists to make students’ stay at Point Loma better.”