Following the most successful United Way campaign in campus history in 2015, Peter Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer, and Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, will again co-chair the 2016 Syracuse University employee United Way campaign, “Game Changer.” They will lead a cross-campus committee of employees who will help publicize the campaign and communicate the benefits of participation.
Dr. Ruth Chen
The United Way is the only nonprofit the University partners with as “One University,” with payroll deduction as an option for giving. Continuing in 2016, employees can make a pledge anytime through MySlice.
“The United Way is our trusted partner,” says Chen. “Partnering with them is the most direct way for our University to make a difference in the community. The dollars we donate are invested carefully and wisely.”
The United Way supports agencies and programs that have met strict criteria for financial management and stewardship of donor dollars.
This fall marks the University’s 45th annual employee-led campaign. All employees are encouraged to make a gift of any amount, positioning the University as a game changer in the community, supporting 34 agencies and 91 local programs.
“Our goal is 100 percent participation. We invite employees who haven’t ever participated in the campaign to consider making a pledge of any amount. It’s also important to know that pledges can be designated to a person’s favorite charity, through the United Way,” says Sala.
A pledge card, with a message from Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen, and featuring options for payroll deduction, will be sent to all faculty and staff members the first week of October followed by e-pledge emails on consecutive Wednesdays in October.
Pete Sala
Committee members will be hosting events such as bake sales, luncheons and bottle drives to raise funds throughout the fall season. Total income in 2015 from events held on campus was $25,000.
Chen is a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Central New York, along with Lerner Center Program Director Rebecca Bostwick.
For updates on the campaign’s progress, and information on how and why to give, visit the Syracuse University United Way campaign website at uw.syr.edu. For more information about the United Way, its funded agencies, and its impact on the community, visit their website at unitedway-cny.org.
