University’s annual United Way Campaign kicks off on campus

University’s annual United Way Campaign kicks off on campusSeptember 17, 2001Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

The 2001 United Way campaign officially gets underway this week as pledge cards are distributed to all faculty and staff. Last year, the University’s campaign generated more than $168,000 in contributions from faculty, staff and students. Money raised during the United Way campaign supports 143 programs that serve people in every part of Onondaga County.

The 2001 campaign is chaired by Mary Ann Fraser, executive assistant for budget in Academic Affairs. David Smith, vice president for enrollment management is the vice chair.

“At this time, it is even more apparent that we must support the United Way as it strengthens its support of the local agencies and programs that service our community,” Fraser says. “As we well know, these same local agencies are reaching out to people in New York City, rural Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. following the recent horrific attacks against the United States of America on Sept. 11.”

Among the activities planned to help kick off the University United Way campaign is a dog show sponsored by the Newhouse School. “Newhouse is going to the dogs to raise funds for the United Way,” says Bridget Lichtinger, Newhouse special events coordinator. University faculty, staff and students have a unique opportunity to strut their favorite pooch’s stuff at the first Newhouse Dog Show, Sept. 21, beginning at 1 p.m. in the lower courtyard, which is located outside of Food.com and across from the Schine Student Center. United Way donations will be collected during the show.

Dogs and their owners can compete in several contests, including the talent contest, the costume contest, the best bark contest, the best kisser and the master-pooch look-alike contest. A Doggie Parade will begin promptly at 1 p.m. All contestants must arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. and owners are asked to bring pooper-scoopers and disposal bags. Those who plan to show their dogs should call Lichtinger at 443-1913.

Other highlights of the campaign include the third edition of “Campus Cooks,” which will feature appetizers, soups and salads, and the annual Dollar Day at the Dome on Sept. 22, where some 125 athletes will be collecting money for the United Way at the Dome gates prior to the SU vs. Auburn University football game.

New this year is the United Way $2 Challenge, offered by the United Way of Central New York. People who increase their annual gift by a minimum of $2 per biweekly pay period, or first-time pledges of $52 per year, will be eligible to win a two-year lease on either a Dodge Caravan, Dakota or Stratus, donated by Rodger Burdick Dodge in Cicero. No purchase or donation is necessary to enter or win. Further information about the $2 Challenge is on the United Way Web site (www.UnitedWay-CNY.org).

Pledge cards may be returned via campus mail to Susan Germain, Office of Special Events, Room 210, Women’s Building. Pledge cards may also be returned during the annual University-wide United Way bake sale on Nov. 6, which will be located in buildings across campus. Copies of all three editions of “Campus Cooks” will be available at the bake sales at a cost of $8 each. Further information about the bake sales will be forthcoming on posters that will be designed by graphic arts students in the Newhouse School.

“I am very committed to supporting the United Way and to encouraging other to do likewise,” Fraser says. “My gift, along with others, is magnified in the effect it has on what we can do for people in our community. As a youngster growing up in the small community in Lyons Falls, N.Y., helping others by sharing what we had was expected.”

SU area chairpersons, who will be coordinating efforts throughout the University are: Allan Breese, director of business and facilities maintenance services; Audrey Burian, administrative secretary; Ronald Cavanagh, vice president for undergraduate studies; Samuel Clemence, professor of civil engineering; Betsy English, director of the SU Bookstore; Jo Giacovelli, assistant to the dean in the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Marilyn Kerr, assistant professor of biology; Dorcas MacDonald, associate librarian; Robert McClure, senior associate dean in the Maxwell School; Debra Monahan, professor of social work; Peter Webber, director of auxiliary services; and Robert Wilson, associate director of supportive services. The campaign is coordinated by Mary Jane Nathan and Susan Germain in the Office of Special Events.