Rice Campaign for United Way starts today

Faculty and staff can help the less fortunate in the Houston community by making a donation to the 2012–13 Rice Campaign for United Way, which officially kicked off Sept. 7.

The goal for this year is $175,000, said Director of University Relations Greg Marshall, who is the campaign manager.

Last year Rice’s campaign broke all records by raising more than $190,000. Over the past five years, Rice has emerged as a leading contributor to United Way in Houston and is now among the top 100 donors. In Rice’s 100th year, the university community hopes to again be counted among the city’s most generous 100 donors.

Rice employees’ contributions to United Way not only help the entire Greater Houston community, they also support the university’s Vision for the Second Century commitment to engaging with the city.

“Individually, and together, our gifts to United Way make a positive difference in people’s lives and in the quality of living in our home city. They are a tangible expression of Rice’s commitment to Houston.” Rice President David Leebron said.

Honorary chairs for this year’s campaign are Jim Crownover ’65, Rice Board of Trustees chair; Leebron; and Provost George McLendon. Lead donors chair is University Representative Y. Ping Sun, who also sits on the United Way of Greater Houston executive committee. Faculty chair is Sidney Burrus, the Maxfield Oshman Professor Emeritus of Engineering, and staff chair is Barbara White Bryson, associate vice president for Facilities Engineering and Planning.

Rice employees may make a pledge payable by payroll deductions spread over all paychecks in calendar (and tax) year 2013 by logging in at esther.rice.edu and clicking the “United Way” link to authorize a direct payroll contribution.  To make a cash, check or credit card gift (for tax year 2012), print, complete and mail the pledge form found under the “give now” link at www.rice.edu/unitedway.

For more information on the United Way campaign, visit www.rice.edu/unitedway.