UNIVERSITY OF ARKASAS CAMPUS GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY DURING ANNUAL UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Opening their hearts and their pocketbooks, members of the University of Arkansas campus community showed their support for the local United Way Campaign by raising $115,300.

The efforts of the campus were applauded today in a ceremony. Organizers wanted to both recognize members of the campus community and leaders within the Washington County Chapter of the United Way whose efforts helped make the Campaign successful.

"It is tremendously rewarding to be a part of a university community that so willingly takes part in something as vital as the United Way," said Chancellor John A. White. "The University has a long history of significant contributions to the Washington County United Way. We're proud to be able to reciprocate the community's support of our campus in a way that we know helps those who need it."

The University has participated in the United Way Campaign since 1984 and has contributed over $1.4 million to the charity in that time.

"The United Way agencies mean a great deal in the lives of our friends, our families and our students when help is needed," said Mary Alice Serafini, co-chairperson of the University's United Way Campaign. "Our students, faculty and staff have, through their donations over the years, touched the lives of countless neighbors in Washington County."

Approximately 850 individual and group donations were made from members of the campus community.

This year, 40 departments on campus met certain criteria meriting special recognition in the form of bronze, silver, and gold award certificates. "Although participation in the campaign is completely voluntary, we do like to recognize goals met by individual departments," said Bill Curington, University campaign co-chair. "We want all those who participate in the campaign to know that their individual donations will benefit more than 30 local organizations who are helping others through some the challenges of life."

University raised 96 percent of its goal of $120,000 by the end of the campaign. With a community of close to 20,000 members, it takes a large volunteer staff and many hours to accomplish the goals set any given year. About 425 members of the campus community were actively part of the volunteer staff.