CU contributors discuss why their colleagues should give to the United Way

By Susan Lang

By now, most Cornell staff and faculty have received their pledge cards from the Cornell United Way Campaign. "This year, local human services organizations may be particularly hard hit," said LeNorman Strong, assistant vice president for student and academic services and this year's chair for the United Way campaign on campus, referring to a Human Services Coalition survey that shows budget reductions by New York state alone might impact Tompkins County human service agencies by some $1 million.

As of Oct. 29, the Cornell United Way Campaign has received $260,333.65 of its $525,000 goal.

"More than ever, we need to support local residents, and one of the most efficient ways is through the Tompkins County United Way, which supports 30 local human services agencies, 10 community councils and more than 100 programs in our community," he said.

A handful of Cornell contributors were asked why they believe United Way is important and why their colleagues should consider making a donation. Here are some of their responses:

"To live in a community means to me to have a stake in its welfare and to be actively involved; that is congruent with my values. I also want to show my children how important it is to care about one's community and how to give back in meaningful ways. My decision to contribute is partly about the responsibilities of citizenship as I define them and partly it stems from how I try to live."
--Philip McPheron, director of graduate and professional student housing, Campus Life

"I give to the United Way because it reaches just about every human service need in the community. Collectively, the member agencies make the whole community better and everyone benefits in every stage of life."
--Patty Ard, an executive staff assistant in the office of the vice president for student and academic services

"I support the United Way through payroll deductions because it is an easy way to make contributions to many different agencies that support needs and programs within my community. I don't have to wonder if the agency receiving my money will spend it appropriately."
--Deb Shigley, human resource and business manager for the vice provost for research

"Many of the United Way member agencies are small and the United Way appeal may be their only chance to ask for funds. The events of last month are a vivid reminder that we are all connected and that when others need help, it is up to those of us who can do so to respond. The ongoing turmoil in our nation has meant increased need for support services right here in our own county. Let us act locally."
--Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources

"It is only the giving that makes us what we are and helps define us as a community."
--Jeannie Butler, a graphic designer for Campus Life

"I can think of no better way to have one single check reach so many worthy people than by giving through the Cornell United Way Campaign."
--Russell Martin, professor emeritus of communication

"Life is short. Who can deny it? Have you counted your blessings? Can you help? Will you?"
--Elizabeth Teskey, assistant to the head of technical services at the Cornell Law Library

"Now, more than ever before, our community needs all the support we can muster," Strong concluded.

For questions or ideas about United Way efforts, contact Strong at ljs31@cornell.edu, his assistant Karen Brown atked13@cornell.edu or view the United Way web site at www.uwtc.org/give.asp.