Brandeis University Student Driven Sustainability Fund Receives $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Education from National Office Furniture

JASPER, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Office Furniture, a brand unit of Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBALB), is pleased to announce Brandeis University of Waltham, Massachusetts, as its $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Education winner. The company also announces the launch of its third annual $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare to be awarded in early spring. National started the Gift of Inspiration program in 2009 and has given away $110,000 since the program’s inception.

“We have a very capable, creative student body. Their innovative thinking towards sustainability has provided meaningful programs and implementations that are making a difference. This $25,000 Gift of Inspiration will only fuel their passion in making Brandeis as sustainable as possible. We truly appreciate this gift from National Office Furniture”

2011 $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Education Winner, Brandeis University

Brandeis University is National’s third Gift of Inspiration for Education winner and plans to use the money to boost its Student Sustainability Fund where students propose projects and have already implemented several to green their campus such as, a community garden, a bike loaner program, incorporating building performance dashboards in five residence halls and spearheading the use of new solar-powered street lights at the university’s entrance. Brandeis students learn skills in project management and grant writing while contributing to the college experience, the community and future generations through their sustainable efforts today. All the ideas for green campus projects that utilize the sustainability fund are submitted and executed by the students.

“This gift will enable the Sustainability Fund Committee to implement larger investment projects and allow the students to push the envelope even further in what we can accomplish in greening our campus. This gift will definitely inspire us to do more for each other and the environment,” said Herbie Rosen, student, Brandeis University Student Union President.

“We have a very capable, creative student body. Their innovative thinking towards sustainability has provided meaningful programs and implementations that are making a difference. This $25,000 Gift of Inspiration will only fuel their passion in making Brandeis as sustainable as possible. We truly appreciate this gift from National Office Furniture,” said Janna Cohen-Rosenthal, Sustainability Coordinator, Brandeis University.

“We call it the Gift of Inspiration in hopes of inspiring others, yet we are always inspired by what our winners are doing to make the world a better place. Congratulations to Brandeis University. The Brandeis student sustainability fund is incredible and we can’t wait to see how the $25,000 gift will be turned into another great sustainable solution to enrich the campus and the community,” said Kevin McCoy, General Manager, National Office Furniture, Vice President, Kimball International.

2011 Third Annual $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare Environments Announced

The latest Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare Environments allows healthcare organizations to register to win $25,000 from the office furniture manufacturer. Healthcare organizations can enter now through February 29, 2012 simply by registering at www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com/Healthcare and be automatically entered to win. No purchase is necessary.

About the Gift of Inspiration Program

Drawing upon knowledge from serving key customer markets of education and healthcare, National Office Furniture started its Gift of Inspiration program in 2009 to enable opportunities for educators and healthcare providers to enrich lives and communities. National wanted to do its part in supporting educators, students, caregivers, and care recipients with a chance to provide inspirational, meaningful programs, especially as funding for these important initiatives has been challenged in recent years. National’s program allows the company to give back to these markets with financial gifts that may be used for technology needs, scholarships, enrichment and development programs, or facility enhancements. National has awarded five Gifts of Inspiration to education and healthcare organizations totaling $110,000 in donations since the program’s inception.

Previous Gift of Inspiration winners include:

2011 $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare Environments: Good Samaritan Hospitals and Clinics, Corvallis, Oregon. The Regional Cancer Center will use the funds to support patients and families with a variety of services such as onsite lodging for patients and families and assistance in the form of gas cards, groceries and utility bill payments.
2010 $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Education Environments: Hill College of Hillsboro, Texas. Hill College started its “Building Pathways of Success” scholarship program for students who are the first in their family to attend college.
2010 $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare Environments: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin. UWHC used the donation to develop outdoor healing initiatives, including a healing garden and walking paths.
2009 $10,000 Gift of Inspiration for Education Environments: Southwest Middle School of Savannah, Georgia. SMS utilized the funds to start a “Second Chance” mentoring and after school program for at-risk students.

About National Office Furniture:

National Office Furniture, a brand unit of Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBALB), is a Jasper, Indiana-based manufacturer of high-quality office furnishings. Since 1980, National has built a reputation for excellence with stylish furniture of exceptional value; a dedication to personalized service; product designs that reflect a passion for the user’s comfort and productivity; and a commitment to environmental responsibility. For more information about National and its products, visit: www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com

About Kimball International:

Recognized with a reputation for excellence, Kimball International is committed to a high performance culture that values personal and organizational commitment to quality, reliability, value, speed, and ethical behavior. Kimball employees know they are part of a corporate culture that builds success for Customers while enabling employees to share in the Company’s success through personal, professional and financial growth.

Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBALB) provides a variety of products from its two business segments: the Electronic Manufacturing Services segment and the Furniture segment. The Electronic Manufacturing Services segment provides engineering and manufacturing services which utilize common production and support capabilities to a variety of industries globally. The Furniture segment provides furniture for the office and hospitality industries, sold under the Company’s family of brand names.

To learn more about Kimball International, Inc., visit the Company’s website on the Internet at: www.kimball.com

“Kimball International … We Build Success!”

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