Purdue United Way campaign raises record amount
Members of the Purdue Bells reveal the Purdue United Way Campaign total of $770,451 following their encore performance of "Hail Purdue" at a victory celebration on Wednesday (Nov. 17) at the Shively Club in Ross-Ade Stadium. (Purdue University photo/Mark Simons)
Purdue faculty, staff, retirees and students stood united and rose to the challenge this year, helping Purdue raise more than 104 percent of its goal for the United Way Campaign.
The campaign total of $770,451 was revealed at a victory celebration Wednesday (Nov. 16). The campaign officially passed its goal of $740,000 on Nov. 10, and the total raised is about one-sixth of the community goal of $4.6 million. This was the most raised by the University since the University began an organized United Way campaign in 1987.
The Purdue Bell Choir entertained the approximately 100 guests at the event, all members of Purdue's United Way campaign, before the final total was revealed.
Speakers at the celebration included:
* Al Diaz, 2011 Purdue United Way chair and executive vice president for business and finance, treasurer.
* Jay Akridge, 2011 local United Way campaign chair and the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue.
* Maryann Santos de Barona, 2012 Purdue United Way chair and dean of the College of Education.
All expressed gratitude to the campus community for the compassion and dedication put into the campaign.
Ken Sandel, director of physical and capital planning, presents Al Diaz, 2011 Purdue United Way chair and executive vice president for business and finance, treasurer, a bottle of wine to celebrate the Purdue United Way Campaign's record year. Sandel donned his grape suit, which he wore as part of a Physical Facilties United Way fundraising event this year. (Purdue University photo/Mark Simons) (Purdue News Service photo/Mark Simons)
"Once again, the Purdue community went above and beyond to show unyielding support for the United Way of Greater Lafayette," Diaz says. "The generosity shown by Purdue faculty, staff, students, Vanguards and retirees made this year’s campaign a huge success. It will make a difference for many in our community."
Diaz also shared highlights of the campaign, including another record-setting year by Purdue's Vanguards (those who give $1,000 or more). This year Purdue has 40 new Vanguards, and their donations are nearly 50% percent of the total employee contributions.
Other highlights from the campaign include:
* 12 of 19 Purdue areas met or surpassed their goals for 2011.
* Many departments held special events totaling more than $11,000 in donations.
* Purdue retirees surpassed their $90,000 goal for 2011 by donating more than $95,000 to the campaign (105percent of goal).
Though the campaign tally is complete, contributions to United Way are welcome at any time.
