University Donations Go Beyond United Way Goal

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has surpassed its United Way fundraising goal of $148,000 for the 2009-10 campaign. To date, University of Arkansas faculty, staff, and students have raised a total of $153,158 for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas, which is $3,050 more than the university contributed last year.

Carolyn Allen, dean of the university libraries, and Danny Pugh, vice provost and dean of students, serve as co-chairs for the 2009-10 campaign.

“I am extremely proud of our faculty, staff and students for the outpouring of support during these tough economic times. Throughout the institution and across the campus, people gave generously and wholeheartedly to those whom the United Way serves,” Chancellor G. David Gearhart said.

More than 140 faculty and staff volunteers from all colleges and departments of the university contributed to the success of this year’s campaign, with approximately 1,000 faculty and staff making financial commitments to the effort.

In addition, university students pitched in to raise more than $3,700 from different events.

“Once again student participation, specifically the Associated Student Government, the Division of Student Affairs, and Registered Student Organization leaders, raised not only money but also awareness of how students can help United Way agencies provide essential services to people in need across northwest Arkansas,” Allen said. 

“I am so pleased with the advancing partnership we have with our students and our Hogs United campaign,” said Pugh.

 “Another highlight of the campaign has been facilities management’s level of participation, with giving of over $14,400 this year,” said Marcia Overby, campus campaign coordinator and university representative on the United Way of Northwest Arkansas advisory cabinet. “Their generosity was remarkable and set new records in terms of dollars raised by a single campus division.”

United Way of Northwest Arkansas provides grants to more than 100 programs that make people's lives better in the areas of education, income and health. Some types of programs that benefit annually from United Way grants are those that provide access to quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities; give opportunities for families to move towards financial independence; and increase access to affordable health care services.