University shatters United Way campaign fundraising goal

The University of Calgary officially wrapped up its 2015 United Way campaign at a celebratory luncheon on Jan. 19, announcing a record-breaking fundraising total of $562,457, exceeding its campaign goal by more than $127,000.

Richard Sigurdson, Faculty of Arts dean and United Way campaign co-chair, welcomed cabinet members and volunteers to the event, kicking off the luncheon with a video showcasing highlights from this year’s campaign and revealing the final fundraising amount. Dean Sigurdson is pictured above with Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations).

“Our campus community definitely stepped up to the challenge this year,” said Sigurdson. “Our students, faculty and staff rallied together making pledges, logging numerous volunteer hours and throwing multiple fundraising events. Thanks again to the entire United Way cabinet, our unit co-ordinators and to our campus community for all your support. It is through all your hard work and dedication to the campaign that we have raised this incredible dollar amount.”

Rae Ann Aldridge, associate vice-president (risk) and United Way campaign co-chair, congratulated everyone on a job well done and presented awards to the faculties and units that went above and beyond in this year’s campaign.

Campaign fundraising honours were awarded to University Relations for achieving the highest percentage of faculty and staff participation, with 46 per cent donating to the campaign; the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning won the Mover and Shaker Award for showing the greatest growth in donations from the previous year; the Cumming School of Medicine took home the award for the highest number of Leadership Donors with 25 donors contributing between $1,200 and $9,999; the Haskayne School of Business was recognized for raising the most money though special events; and University Relations took home the coveted Challenge Cup, raising $13,778 in campaign donations and reaching 46 per cent unit participation.

Dollars raised are invested in all areas of community

Following the awards presentation, Diane Kenyon, vice-president of University Relations and United Way campaign executive sponsor, thanked the university community on behalf of President Elizabeth Cannon and the executive leadership team.

“Congratulations to our entire cabinet and campus community on an incredibly successful United Way campaign,” said Kenyon. “You have all made important contributions to our city and you have done yourselves, and our university proud. Thanks to your hard work and your heartfelt dedication to those in need, you have made a powerful impact in our community and our city.”

Kenyon also went on to thank Jackie Sieppert, dean of the Faculty of Social Work, for his tireless efforts to engage and promote the leadership giving portion of the university’s campaign. In 2015, 146 leaders committed to giving an annual donation between $1,200 and $9,999, surpassing last year’s target of 142 leadership donors. This equated to more than $394,650 donated to the overall campaign total.

Whether you participated in a 50/50 draw, braved the frigid waters, bought a cookie in a bake sale, bid in a silent auction, hosted a book sale, or directly provided financial support to the campaign — the university thanks you for your time, enthusiasm and contribution to the United Way.

The university’s commitment and dedication to this year’s Calgary and area campaign will be recognized at United Way’s 17th Annual Spirits of Gold Awards on Feb. 10, earning nominations in three different categories.

Visit the website for more information about the university’s United Way campaign.