All-University Fund Drive raises money for United Way, scholarships

The 2009 All-University Fund Drive (AUFD) will kick off on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and organizers hope to raise more than $220,000 in combined contributions to Oakland University, United Way and Black United Fund.

AUFD invitation packets, including pledge forms and an accompanying letter from the AUFD chairpersons, are being sent to employees and retirees next week. Payroll deduction pledges can be made by submitting a signed AUFD payroll deduction authorization form. Employees also can make credit card gifts online via the AUFD Web site. The campaign concludes on Wednesday, Dec. 23, this year.

University President Gary Russi will again generously match gifts made to the university with 50 cents on the dollar up to $5,000. To be eligible for the match, gifts must reach the Gift Accounting Department at John Dodge House by Friday, Dec. 18.

This year’s co-chairs for the AUFD are Sayed Nassar, professor and director of the Fastening and Joining Research Institute in the School of Engineering and Computer Science; Pat Nicosia, retired director of Budget and Financial Planning; and Catheryn Cheal, assistant vice president for e-Learning and Instructional Support. In addition, approximately 40 faculty and staff volunteers throughout campus are assisting with the campaign.

Organizers are highlighting opportunities to contribute in support of Oakland students, particularly by inviting gifts to the OU Scholarship Fund. This fund assists students who encounter life circumstances that impact their ability to continue on at OU or complete their degree.

“The All-University Fund Drive continues to be successful because our faculty and staff see firsthand the benefits their gifts make on campus,” said Susan Davies Goepp, vice president for university relations and executive director of the OU Foundation.

“Whether faculty and staff contribute to the OU Scholarship Fund, or another scholarship or program meaningful to them, their gifts, together with others, play an important role in offering our students a distinctive education.”