The 2014 Red, White & True faculty and staff giving initiative is officially underway at the University of Arkansas! Last year, a record 31 percent of current and retired employees — 1,494 individuals — contributed a remarkable $403,000 to 233 different funds all across campus. That’s the power of participation, and with your help, this year’s program is sure to make an even bigger impact for our university and our students.

Between now and May 1, employees are invited to join in the effort by making a gift of any size to the area of campus that matters most to them. The goal is to increase participation, so everyone can contribute at a level that’s comfortable. If you’ve already made a gift this fiscal year, whether to KUAF, the Staff Senate Scholarship, the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry or your own college or department, it counts. Thank you!  If not, participation packets will be hitting campus mailboxes in the next few days, so please be on the lookout for your opportunity to get involved. And remember, you get to choose how your gift will be used, so pick your passion.

Now in its fourth year, Red, White & True is gaining momentum and attracting an energetic group of volunteers. Leading that group is Richard Hudson, vice chancellor for government and community relations, and Yvette Murphy-Erby, professor of social work and interim associate dean for Fulbright College, who are serving as co-chairs of the 2014 effort.

“I view giving back to the University of Arkansas as a socially responsible and diligent investment in an institution that is committed to teaching, service and research endeavors that benefit Arkansas and the world,” said Murphy-Erby. “I know my investment matters and helps to makes a difference!”

“Being affiliated with the university has been a true blessing to my wife Joanna and me,” Hudson added. “It just seems natural and logical that we support the university, and I’m happy to co-chair this year’s Red, White & True program along with Yvette to encourage others to experience the joy of giving back.”

Joining the co-chairs are 27 volunteers from across campus who are equally passionate about the U of A and proud to give back. Over the coming weeks, these volunteers will be reaching out to their colleagues to spread the word and encourage participation.

Members of the 2014 volunteer team are:

• Paul Bixby – University Information Technology Services, Finance & Administration
• Jeff Bonacci – Health, Human Performance & Recreation, College of Education & Health Professions
• Heath Bowman – Arkansas Alumni Association, Advancement
• Kim Bullard – College of Engineering
• Kathy Comfort – World Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Fulbright College
• Amanda Cothren – University Relations, Advancement
• Bill Curington – Economics, Walton College
• Renea Dillard – University Development, Advancement
• Marweta Haegele – University Development, Advancement
• Hershel Hartford – Communication, Fulbright College
• Kathryn Huddler – University of Arkansas Police, Finance & Administration
• Lizzie Johnson – External Relations, Walton College
• Linda Jones – Animal Science, Bumpers College
• Elizabeth Jordan – Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education & Health Professions
• Mary Beth Matthews – School of Law
• Doug Moore – Utility Operations and Maintenance, Facilities Management
• Susan Patton – Nursing, College of Education & Health Professions
• Felisha Perrodin– Housing, Student Affairs
• Douglas Rhoads – Biological Sciences, Fulbright College
• Lona Robertson – Apparel Studies and Dean's Office, Bumpers College
• Curt Rom – Horticulture, Bumpers College
• Elecia Smith – Dean’s Office, Fulbright College
• Leigh Southward – Human Environmental Sciences, Bumpers College
• Susan Stiers – Off Campus Connections, Student Affairs
• Kalli Vimr – Development, University Libraries
• Steve Voorhies – University Relations, Advancement
• Kelly Westeen – Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Services

To learn more, join the volunteer team or make your gift today, please visit annualfund.uark.edu/facultystaff or contact Merin Macechko, associate director of annual programs, at merin@uark.edu or 575-2944.