United Way kicks off 1998-99 campaign

The 1998-99 United Way campaign is under way and university chair Elizabeth Hawkins is encouraging all faculty and staff members to match the 100 percent participation rate of one department and meet this year's goal of $88,000.

Hawkins said Custodial Services has tallied a 100 percent success rate for the last five years.

"We also hope to increase the number of people participating at the pacesetter level of $500 and above," she added.

The university is divided into 18 divisions, with a team leader for each division. Nearly 150 volunteer faculty and staff members assist in the fund-raising effort. A separate student campaign is in progress, as well, with a goal of $5,000.

Hawkins urged all university employees to return their pledge cards, which were recently mailed out, by the Sept. 25 deadline.

This year, the United Way is supporting 20 agencies and donors may designate gift recipients. They include: American Red Cross, Area Agency on Aging, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Brickfire Project, CONTACT Helpline, Epilepsy Foundation, 4-H Clubs, Fellowship Foods, Habitat for Humanity, North Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Pilot Club Mini Bus, Prairie Girl Scout Council, Oktibbeha County Home, Recovery House Inc., Safe Haven, Salvation Army, Sally Kate Winters Children's Home, Trinity Homemaker Services, and Very Special Arts.

MSU campaign division leaders are Kathy Bonner, international programs; Beverly Brimer, extension service; Brenda Brown, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station; Johnie Cooks, athletics; Armando de la Cruz, College of Arts and Sciences; Linda Duckworth, College of Forest Resources; Joy Edwards, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Frank Elrod, College of Education; Melissa McRae Purcell, financial aid; Sandra Middleton, honors program; Donna Murrah, Office of Research; Chris Nettles, Custodial Services; Barbara Rhoades, College of Veterinary Medicine; Rob Rice, campus landscape; John Rush, College of Engineering; Anne Tolar, College of Business and Industry; and Jim West, School of Architecture.