2007 campus United Way campaign kicks off

The Indiana State University campus kicked off its 2007 United Way campaign Sept. 6 in Hulman Memorial Student Union.

Representatives from the United Way joined campus leaders for a luncheon and presentation to gear up for this year’s campaign, “The Power of One.”

President Lloyd W. Benjamin III encouraged the campus community to reach this year’s goal of $65,000.

"Indiana State is a very caring community. We are in a position to give back in some very significant ways. We give of talent. We give of time. We give of means,” he said.

“Our job is to demonstrate through our philanthropy that the work undertaken by the 44 United Way agencies matter to us and to our community. It’s hard to imagine an individual who doesn’t have a relative, friend or co-worker who has been served by these agencies,” Benjamin added.

Nancy Rogers, chairman of the campus campaign and director of ISU’s Center for Public Service and Community Engagement, encouraged campus leaders to set a good example by giving what they can to this year’s campaign.

"Whether it’s $1 or $1,000, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps,” Rogers said.

This year, professor Charles Norman and his Sociology 100 students will spearhead the first student United Way campaign.

“We’re very excited about that,” Rogers said, adding a number of Indiana State students perform community service work with local United Way agencies.

“They learn valuable lessons through their work - there is social justice, we can make a difference and our collective efforts and gifts pay off,” she said.

A special event on Sept. 19 in the Commons area of Hulman Memorial Student Union will give ISU staff, faculty and students a chance to participate in the campaign and to turn in their pledge cards.

“Sweeten Up for United Way,” scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will raise money for the campaign through the sale of cookies, provided by Sodexho. The sweet treats will be on sale for $1 each.

Last year, the ISU community raised $55,503.08, with 13 Vanguard donors. Vanguard donors give $1,000 or more annually.

United Way Executive Director Jim Bertoli also spoke during the luncheon.

Bertoli said over the past seven years, ISU employees have been very supportive of the United Way, contributing a total exceeding $436,000.

“I can always count on Indiana State,” he said. “It’s not just the money. It’s everything else you do.”

In addition to the financial support, several members of the ISU community, including students, have served on fund distribution panels and three members serve on the board of directors.

Bertoli said this year’s theme is a simple, but powerful one.

“It’s describes how important the power of one donation, one volunteer, one moment in a person’s life, the impact of one organization and the role one community can play,” he said.

Rogers said during the upcoming months the campaign team will be sending contribution materials to all campus employees. "We plan to have the campaign wrapped up by the first of December."

The ISU campus campaign steering committee includes Rogers; Bob English, Academic Affairs; Tony Brewer, McNair Program; Mary Kelly, Career Center; Diann McKee, Business Affairs; Mike Murphy, Psychology Department; Charles Norman, Sociology Department; Paula Meyer, Communications and Marketing; Teresa Exline, President’s Office and Bev Bitzegaio, College of Technology.

For more information, call Rogers at (812) 237-2474. More information about United Way of the Wabash Valley can be found at www.uwwv.org

Campus campaign Web site: ISU United Way campaign

2007 campaign video: 2007 United Way

Contact: Nancy Rogers, Center for Public Service and Community Engagement, (812) 237-2474 or nancyrogers@indstate.edu

Writer: Paula Meyer, Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu