United Way giving goes up

It was a perfect trifecta -- giving in this year's United Way campaign increased in three key benchmarks. The number of faculty and staff members giving to the United Way campaign increased this year, as did the percentage participants and the total amount raised.

This year's campaign raised $131,478, up from $120,789 last year. Some 958 faculty and staff gave to the campaign, which amounts to nearly 48.6 percent of total employees. That is up from last year's totals of 877 and 47.4 percent, respectively.

"I'm proud to be a part of an institution that cares not only about Grand Valley but about the communities that we live and work in," said campaign co-chair Marlene Kowalski-Braun.

Co-chair Jon Jellema said, "In a year when we have faced tough economic times and massive natural disasters, it's inspiring to know that Grand Valley has such generous and responsive faculty and staff."

Two reserved parking spaces were awarded to donors. The Pew Campus space went to Joseph Fisher from the College of Educations leadership and human services department, and the Allendale Campus spot went to Felix Ngassa from the chemistry department. Awards to campaign captains included:

• Steve Lipnicki: One nights stay at the Alumni House
• Donna Deeb: Bookstore gift certificate
• Sherri Balser: Campus Dining Card
• Bobby Springer: Bookstore gift certificate
• John Shinsky: Campus Dining Card.