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 co-chair the 2015 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
This fall marks the University’s 44th annual employee-led campaign, making it especially meaningful to the University community. 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.
“We are inspired to follow the winning tradition associated with ‘44’ and make great contributions to the needs of the community,” says Dr. Chen.
The United Way is the only nonprofit the University partners with as “one University,” with payroll deduction as an option for giving. New for 2015, employees can make a pledge anytime through MySlice.
“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.
In the last five years Syracuse University employees have contributed more than $1 million dollars to the United Way, raising an average of $210,000 each year.
Pete 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 in early October, followed by e-pledge emails on consecutive Wednesdays through mid-November.
“The United Way is a trusted partner,” adds Dr. Chen. “The dollars we donate are invested carefully and wisely back into our community.”
The United Way supports agencies and programs that have met strict criteria for financial management and stewardship of donor dollars.
Dr. Chen is a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Central New York, along with Assistant Provost Patricia Stith and 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 http://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.
