Eastern Michigan University's United Way campaign surpassed or came close to meeting its goals this year amid a struggling Michigan economy and massive attention on the recent presidential election.
The University collected pledges totaling $135,425, surpassing its pre-campaign goal of $130,000. The amount also was larger than the $126,768 raised last year. Overall campus participation was 46 percent, up 6 percent from last year, but a bit short of the 50-percent goal.
Results of the campaign and awards were presented at a United Way wrap-up breakfast in Guild Hall Nov. 9.
"You should all give yourselves a round of applause for a highly successful campaign," said Jim Vick, vice president for student affairs. Vick co-chaired the campaign with Juanita Reid, vice president for University Relations; and Paula Dykstra, assistant to the vice president for enrollment services.
 |
GOOD JOB: Carol Smerek, administrative secretary
for University Relations, becomes emotional after
being given a "special recognition" award for her
efforts during the United Way campaign. Jim Vick,
vice president for student affairs and one of three
co-chairs for the campaign, congratulates her. |
"When the economy goes, the figures usually go down," said EMU Interim President Craig Willis, who said his involvement with United Way campaigns stem from his days as president at Lock Haven University. "The fact that you got more involved and raised more (money) speaks volumes about Eastern. I'm just happy that the people who gave or pledged did."
"You guys are terrific. This is just a great result," echoed John Eman, interim president of Washtenaw United Way, who attended the breakfast. "I want to thank you for your generosity and volunteerism."
In addition to the overall money and participation goals, the University had 38 Leadership Givers (goal was 40), those who gave a minimum of $1,000; and 25 Labor Leaders, those affiliated with a union who pledged a minimum of $500.
Departments or offices that achieved 100 percent participation rates were: Alumni Relations, Athletics, Board of Regents Office, Budget Management, Charter Schools, EMU Foundation, Graduate School, Human Resources, Institutional Research and Information Management, Kresge Environmental Education Center, Management Department, Office of International Students, Office of the President, Office of the VP for Enrollment Services, Office of the VP for Student Affairs, Office of the VP for University Relations, Risk Management, Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement, Student Affairs Business Operations, Student Media, University Marketing and Communications, and Women's Studies.
Departments or offices that achieved participation rates from 75-99 percent were: College of Business Dean's Office, Continuing Education, Convocation Center, Financial Aid, Holman Learning Center, ICARD, Legal Affairs, McKenny Union and Campus Life, Office of Collaborative Education, Physics & Astronomy, Service EMU and WEMU.
Departments or offices that achieved participation rates from 50-74 percent were: Academic Advising, Department of Accounting and Finance, Admissions, Career Services Center, CHHS Dean's Office, COE Academic Services Center, College of Education Dean's Office, Controller's Office, Dining Services, Financial Services, Halle Library, Honors Program, Housing, Leadership and Counseling, Office of Research Development, Office of the Provost, Office of the VP for Business & Finance, Public Safety & Parking, Purchasing & Telecommunications, Records & Registration, Recreation/Intramurals, School of Health Sciences, Telephone Services and World College/Academic Programs Abroad.
Certificates of recognition were presented to all of the departments or offices listed above. Carol Smerek, administrative secretary in University Relations, received a "special recognition" certificate for her assistance during the campaign.
