By Rebecca A. Doyle
“This campaign is a very important aspect of life at the University,” President James J. Duderstadt told the more than 200 volunteers assembled at last Monday’s kick-off luncheon for the U-M’s annual United Way campaign. “The University is a very big player in Washtenaw County. We are the largest employer in the county and account for one-seventh of the county’s contributions to United Way. This is an opportunity for us to reach out and do things for others.”
The U-M’s goal of $1 million-plus is coupled with an effort to increase the number of participating staff members and Washtenaw United Way’s theme of “Give $1 More Per Week—Make Great Things Happen.” Duderstadt told listeners that efforts to reduce the federal deficit would likely have a negative impact on health and human service agencies in the county, making it more important than ever that the University show its commitment to the community.
To show that commitment and to bring volunteers even closer to the agencies they work to support in the campaign, instead of a picnic or gathering before the initial kickoff, University volunteers got together Sept. 15 for a day of community service. Members of two teams took vacation days to participate in the Day of Caring activities at the American Red Cross and at Full Circle Community Center in Ypsilanti.
During the traditional chicken pot pie luncheon, U-M United Way campaign chair Maureen Hartford recognized those who had actively participated in the University’s campaign for 10 years or more, including four staff members who had served more than 20 years. They are Dave Foulke, 25 years; Lee Zukowski, 28 years; Carole Weber, 20 years; and Jack Warner, 21 years.
Newly instituted this year is a question-and-answer e-mail address introduced by James Kosteva, director of community relations. Sending questions to [email protected] guarantees a response within a short period of time, Kosteva says, and also will help inform the U-M campaign team about areas where they could improve communications.
The University’s United Way Campaign runs through October.
