FACULTY AND STAFF GIVE BACK TO THE U OF A

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas Annual Fund is kicking off the second annual Faculty and Staff Giving Program next week. Last year UA employees contributed nearly $230,000 and the program committee hopes for even more success this year.

Beginning March 5, 2001, letters will be mailed to staff and faculty inviting them to contribute to academic departments or campus programs, including areas such as campus landscaping, the Health Center, First-Year Experience, the UA Press, KUAF 91.3 National Public Radio, University Libraries or Women’s Athletics to name a few. Contributions may be made to any existing gift account in the University’s system.

"The committee felt that philanthropy is a very personal matter," said Nancy Hart, committee co-chair and non-classified staff representative. "Participation in the program may not be appropriate for everyone, but we’ve had requests for this opportunity. Many of our co-workers are already giving to the University through their gifts to KUAF, for instance."

A 20-member Faculty & Staff Giving Program Committee representing areas all across campus is overseeing the program. In addition to Hart, committee co-chairs are Missy Raley, classified staff representative and Curt Rom, faculty representative. The committee is available to assist all University employees with questions regarding the different areas to support. University employees may utilize payroll deduction as a way to make a gift.

Last year, the first year of the program, 1,052 UA faculty and staff members, or 30 percent of employees, made gifts totaling $229,151. Many other major universities offer such programs to their employees.

"We think it’s very exciting that we had a 30 percent participation among our colleagues," said Curt Rom. "Statistics show that the participation levels of other benchmarking institutions -  institutions that have had similar program in existence for many years - average with a 30-40 percent participation of their faculty and staff. Our hope is that we can increase participation, and continue to make a difference."

Since 1955, the UA Annual Fund has been a vehicle for providing financial support to academic units and programs across the campus. The Annual Fund provides more than $1 million each year in support of colleges, schools and programs across the Fayetteville campus.

UA faculty and staff are encouraged to contact Becky Brink, assistant director of Annual Giving for more information, or visit the Annual Fund Web site at http://pigtrail.uark.edu/annualfund.