Faculty and Staff Campaign moves toward goal

To date, 785 faculty and staff members have made their annual gifts to "Growing a Greater Grand Valley," a university-wide effort. Campaign organizers report that so far 35 percent of the university's faculty and staff have given or pledged, up from 31 percent in January and well on the way to the goal of 50 percent participation in the campaign.

"More people in more departments are taking part," said Paul Stephenson, associate professor in statistics, who co-chairs the campaign. "Since the kickoff, two departments have reached the 100 percent participation level for the first time (Regional Math and Science Center, Seidman Finance Department). Another department, Alumni Relations, also reached 100 percent, repeating their success of last year."

Stephenson added that he hopes participation rates will be boosted by a spirit of friendly competition on behalf of the common goal of helping students.  "Our students do such a wonderful job with philanthropy through things like Relay for Life, Battle of the Valleys, the Student Legacy Scholarship, Habitat for Humanity, and many more. We are just trying to keep up with the students," he said.

Mary Ann Watters, assistant for Regional Math and Science and co-chair of the 2009 campaign, said eight faculty and staff members signed up as volunteers after the breakfast. "It's great to see our campaign catch on," she said.