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Editorial ColumnsPenn State answers call of United WayThis opinion piece appeared in the Centre Daily Times on Saturday, October 13, 2007. Robert Steele is dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and serves as Chairman of the 2007 Penn State-United Way Campaign.
Graham B. Spanier and Robert D. Steele
Penn State each year joins the Centre County United Way in an extraordinary fundraising effort designed to enhance the quality of life in our community. October 13, 2007 We are proud of the proactive role so many Penn State employees take in their support of United Way. This volunteer-driven organization reaches out to provide vitally needed services in our community, and Centre County United Way has been identified as Penn State's "charity of choice." Penn Staters have been generous with their time and financial support, helping provide food, shelter, education, legal assistance, crisis support and many other valuable services. Just as the United Way serves every population, providing help to one in three county residents, Penn State's participation in the United Way campaign cuts across all boundaries. Regardless of job title or position, Penn Staters give, and give generously. Even those who have retired from Penn State often continue to support this annual campaign. Students are also a vital part of the fundraising effort. The Student United Way of Penn State is the only group of its kind in the United States, and it is being used as a model by United Way of America as they launch their system-wide Youth Engagement Initiative. A Young Leaders Group is also being formed this year to meet the needs of Penn State's most engaged young philanthropists. Through a convenient payroll deduction program, Penn State employees help support 39 United Way partner agencies. In its annual report, the Centre County United Way listed 102 Penn State employees as "leadership donors" who have given gifts of $1,000 or more. The Penn State-Centre County United Way campaign has tripled in size in just eleven years. Last year, Penn State raised a total of $833,837 and contributed thousands of volunteer hours at the annual PNC Bank-Day of Caring, United Way Loaned Executive program, Trash to Treasure sale, and other events. As our Penn State-Centre County United Way campaign moves into high gear, we'd like to thank the many Penn State employees, students and alumni who exemplify the very best of our University's many attributes, offering assistance, providing opportunities and giving hope. By participating in the Centre County United Way campaign, Penn State employees help strengthen families and communities throughout our region. We encourage you to do the same. |
