THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS CAMPUS SHOWS ITS SPIRIT OF GIVING BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BY EXCEEDING GOAL SET FOR 2001 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - In a year with many unexpected, yet worthy causes tugging at the purse strings of so many, the University community showed its support for United Way agencies that serve the local community in a very big way. This spirit of giving resulted in nearly $121,000 in contributions and pledges pouring into the campus’ 2002 United Way Campaign.

"The members of our campus community have demonstrated a true spirit of compassion and generosity in this year's United Way Campaign," said Chancellor John A. White "Their donations will make a tremendous difference within our community at a time when these noble agencies and the people they serve need it most.

"I am exceedingly proud that the University has not only met the goal set for this year's campaign, but that we exceeded the financial goal," White said. "Just as important, we increased the number of members of the UA community who participated in the United Way Campaign. Compared to similar institutions, nationally, our percent participation has been extraordinarily low in the past. However, the committed efforts of a group of volunteers who put in many, many extra hours and a spirit of generosity across the University made this campaign successful in multiple ways.

"The University of Arkansas is asking members of the community to support our Campaign for the Twenty-first Century," White said. "This makes it even more important that we demonstrate, in return, that we are doing our part to support the community through the United Way."

The total of $120,773 exceeded the goal for the campaign of $120,000. The total is expected to grow, as donations will be accepted until the end of the year.

An increase in general participation helped put the University’s contributions over the top. Individual and group donations made from members of the campus community numbered 951 as compared to 850 last year.

Bill Curington, associate dean of the Walton College of Business, and Barbara Taylor, associate vice chancellor for human resources were the co-chairs of this year’s campaign.

"Our students, faculty and staff have, through their donations over the years, touched the lives of countless neighbors in Washington County," Curington said. "As co-chair of the campaign, I want to both congratulate and thank everyone in who participated for searching their hearts and giving back to the community."

With a community of close to 20,000 members, it takes a large volunteer staff and many hours to accomplish the goals set any given year, explained Taylor.

"The campaign started off a bit slowly this year. With the tragic and unexpected events of September 11 drawing so many contributions, it wasn’t easy for people to find the additional funds to give to the United Way campaign," Taylor said. "Campus division coordinators worked very hard to demonstrate the need to support local agencies, generating a campus-wide enthusiasm that made this campaign a success."

The local United Way supports more than 30 agencies such as Abilities Unlimited, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Children’s House, NWA Crisis Intervention and others.

Support by University employees is completely voluntary.