November 20, 2008

Purdue United Way Campaign raises more than $740,000

The campaign total of $741, 021 was revealed at a victory celebration on Wednesday (Nov. 19). The campaign officially passed its goal of $725,000 on Nov. 12.

"Thanks to you, we are able to celebrate another Purdue success," said Roger Blalock,  2008 campaign chair and senior associate athletics director. "The amazing generosity of Purdue faculty, staff and retirees has been incredible this year."

At the Purdue celebration in Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, President France A. Córdova said difficult economic times made the campaign even more remarkable.

"The Purdue community is a generous one," Córdova said. "Night after night we hear new reports about the economic problems that plague our country, and we know that for too many in our community, this crisis is devastatingly close to home. Our responsibility to those who find themselves in these difficult circumstances is to reach out with compassion, understanding and empathy, and United Way helps us do just that.

"Today we are here to celebrate the many people at Purdue University whose compassion has prompted them to help others in our community. I’m proud to be associated with all who are represented here."

Dennis Depew, campaign vice chair and dean of the College of Technology, shared highlights of the campaign, including:

-- Purdue has 36 new Vanguards (those who give $1,000 or more) and is the top organization in the community for Vanguard givers.

-- Purdue employee donors increased from 3,551 last year to 3,587 in 2008.

-- Eleven of 19 Purdue areas met or surpassed their goals for 2008.

-- The Lilly Endowment matching gift program yielded an extra $11,500 for United Way.