IU employees 'making their caring count' through United Way campaigns around state

By Susan Williams

Fauna Rhoads winds up for a try at dunking. The “Dunk a Dean Day” at the IUSM coincided with the campus’ UW kick-off.

Dr. Ora Pescovitz sits on the perch of the tank during “Dunk a Dean Day” at the IU School of Medicine
Sept. 12. Proceeds went to the Kenya Foundation Humanitarian Fund.

IUPUI students spread mulch around the base of trees at Flanner House during the “Day of Caring.”

Beverly Hewitt of the IUPUI Department of Chemistry packs clothing for storage at the Salvation Army during a “Day of Caring.”

To meet the needs that all of us face from time to time, the Indiana University community began its 2002-2003 United Way campaign by urging each of its faculty and staff members to “Make Your Caring Count.” Contributions support service programs essential to the health and well-being of Hoosiers all across the state.

Murphy's maxim illustrated?

While all eight IU campuses began last year's drive fresh from the shock of terrorist attacks on America, this year's campaign began after five tornados spun across the state, destroying homes and businesses close to IU's Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses, and nears a conclusion with November tornadoes in the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne regions. Such natural disasters leave in their wake a number of human needs and many must turn to United Way agencies, such as the American Red Cross, for help.

But UW agencies are at work throughout the year, not just after natural disasters or other catastrophic events. For example, in Monroe County, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club provide services for children throughout the year. UW agencies also provide community kitchens and food banks, mental health and family services, public health nursing and shelter for those in need. In Indianapolis, by contributing $1 a week to United Way of Central Indiana, donors can supply six pregnant teens one hour of prenatal care. Five dollars helps 20 low-income elderly or persons with disabilities remain independent by providing an hour of basic homemaker services.

Here's a look at the campus campaigns and the people who made them happen.

IU Bloomington

Dan Dalton, dean of the Kelley School of Business, and Astrid Merget, dean of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, are the co-chairs of the Bloomington campaign. Matthew Pontius is campus coordinator.

“Ours is a special community and the faculty, staff and students of IU are proud to contribute in so many ways to its friends and families who benefit from United Way Community Services' exceptional programs,” said Dalton.

Last year, faculty and staff on the Bloomington campus contributed 4 percent more than the previous year and their largest amount ever—$582,834. This year's goal is $600,000.

The UW campaign is a convenient and effective means for members of the IU Bloomington community to contribute to organizations of their choices through payroll deduction.

For more information, contact: mpontius@indiana.edu /812-855-4343

IUPUI

This year's “Make Your Caring Count” theme has encouraged staff and faculty to make a difference in the lives of other central Indiana residents. Within the last 10 years, IUPUI employees have contributed nearly $3 million to the United Way of Central Indiana. This year, the campaign goal is $309,000—$8,000 more than last year. The campaign officially began Sept. 16. Faculty and staff were encouraged to participate in “Day of Caring” and also were solicited for their chili recipes for the campus' popular “Chili for Charity” cook-off. Gifts of $1 a week—or individual gifts of $1,000 or more—can now double, thanks to a matching grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Online pledging makes giving easy, fast and simple, and is available at this Web site:

http://www.uwpic.org/uwci/epledge/Begin.jsp?accountNumber=22202

This year's 30-person organizing committee has been led by co-chairs David Burr, Nan Bohan, Len Erickson, Maggie Miller and Cheryl Sullivan.

For additional information or questions, visit the IUPUI UW Way Web page: http://www.iupui.edu/~uwaycamp

IU East

Walter Wagor, professor of psychology, and Phil Wills, director of physical facilities, are co-chairs of the IU East UW committee. Campus leaders have set a monetary goal of $12,000. Names of UW donors will be included in a drawing for IU basketball tickets, a gift certificate from the IU East campus bookstore and other prizes.

IU Northwest

At the Gary campus, where co-chairs are Margaret Arnd-Caddigan, a lecturer in the Division of Social Work, and Nagesh Kolisetty, assistant professor of social work, the goal is $15,000. Kolisetty said that because the emphasis is on matching funds, he expects the total to be higher. The campus is blanketed with posters, a presentation to faculty was made and all employees received packets of UW information, including pledge cards.

IPFW

The Fort Wayne campus did not set a goal for its UW campaign, except to try to do better than last year, said Jeanette Clausen, vice chancellor for academic affairs and leader of the IPFW effort. Last year's campaign reflected impressive involvement by IPFW students, which helped to raise the profile of the campaign. Campus officials were working with students to plan specific fund-raising events for this year's campaign, which officially began Oct. 21.

IU South Bend

The UW kick-off began with a volunteer lunch Oct. 10 in the Alumni Room, according to co-chairs Jim Howard and Luann Woodrick. Campaign forms and flyers were delivered Oct. 14. Staff and faculty who donate will automatically be entered into a contest for a number gift certificates, and everyone who contributes will receive a Titan T-shirt. Woodrick is a lecturer in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, and Howard is director of radiography and allied health programs. Howard said the goal this year is $30,000, the same as last year's goal. “We had to consider the state of the economy, but we did not want to lower the goal. The United Way is important to us, to give back to the community.”

IU Southeast

Last year's campaign raised nearly $22,000 and this year's goal is increased participation, said Jo Hatfield of Career Services and Placement, and Carl deGraaf of the Institute for Learning and Teaching Excellence. The kick-off was Oct. 1, when employees received both pledge cards and cookies delivered to each office. Three free yearly parking permits will be given away during the campaign.