Sept. 30, 2003

ISU's campus United Way campaign kicks off

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Indiana State University campus kicked off its 2003 United Way campaign Sept. 10 in Dede III of Hulman Memorial Student Union. [view kick-off image gallery]

Representatives from the United Way and the various agencies it serves joined campus leaders for a luncheon and presentation to gear up for this year’s campaign — "What Matters: People … Results … Community."

President Lloyd W. Benjamin III, challenged the campus community to reach this year’s goals: $70,000 and 50 percent participation. Last year ISU raised more than $65,000 with 32 percent participation. It was the highest level of giving since 1995.

"Last year, we made real headway with our campus campaign by improving upon our participation rate and nearly meeting our goal," Benjamin said. "This year, with your help, we’ll reach that goal of $70,000 and raise our participation rate again,"

Jim Jensen, chairman of the 2003 campus campaign and director of operations and maintenance in facilities management, acknowledged visitors and members of the campus campaign team and encouraged campus leaders to set a good example by giving what they can to this year’s campaign.

"If we are successful in increasing our participation rate, we should reach our monetary goal which in turn will result in a greater contribution to the lives of our neighbors," Jensen said.

The Campus Campaign Steering Committee includes Jensen, Bob English, assistant dean of the School of Technology; Mary Kelly, administrative assistant II in the Career Center; and Charlie Potts, director of Hulman Memorial Student Union.

United Way Campaign Chairman David Doerr and Campaign Director Jim Bertoli also gave presentations during the luncheon.

Benjamin and Jensen encouraged campus leaders to give what they can.

"Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that people in our community will have food to eat and a roof overhead," Benjamin said. "It means a safe haven from all forms of violence and abuse. It means vital health care. It means long-term solutions to complex problems. And everything we do — support through our fund-raising, support in planning and strategizing, and support for volunteers — every action results in a caring force."

"Over the course of the next three months the campaign team will be sending contribution materials to all campus employees," Jensen said. "We plan to have the campaign wrapped up by December 1."

For more information call Jensen at 237-8194.

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Contact:
Jim Jensen, facilities management, (812) 237-8194 or ppojimj@isugw.indstate.edu

Writer:
Jennifer Kearns, ISU Public Affairs, (812) 237-8037 or devkearn@isugw.indstate.edu

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu