Students' United Way group wins national recognition


 

Cornell Student United Way has been recognized by United Way Worldwide for the second year in a row. This year it is for their advocacy for Tompkins County youth and nonprofit programs. Last year, it was nationally recognized as the Campus Organization of the Year.

Cornell students will receive the Live United in Action -- Income Award May 2 in Nashville, Tenn., at the Global Community Leaders Conference for their support of the United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) Stephen E. Garner Summers of Service Program. Their fundraising efforts were also instrumental in the university's exceeding its goal of $805,000, raising a total of $807,609.

The Garner Summers of Service Program provides paid positions of $1,500 each to local high school students to work full time during the summers at UWTC member organizations, giving them the opportunity to learn firsthand about civic engagement and the health and human services sector in Tompkins County. During summer 2011, five interns, all rising seniors, were placed; they worked at the Brooktondale Community Center, Greater Ithaca Activities Center, YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, and Women's Opportunity Center.

Jessica Zhao '12, chair of the student campaign, and Alan Workman '13, vice chair, led the campaign's fundraising activities and events, including the Duff Ball Senior Prom, Mortar Board Gala, New Greek Leaders and A Cappella United Concert, which generate most of the revenue to support the Garner Summers of Service Program.

Ron Seeber, senior vice provost and a professor in the ILR School, was the Student United Way campus adviser this year and will be the university's United Way campaign chair next year, with Vice President Kyu-Jung Whang serving as vice chair.

"The enthusiasm of our students and their awareness of the impact that they can make on young lives in the Tompkins County area are reminders to all of us that we can make a positive difference, right here in Tompkins and surrounding counties, in the lives of those who are in need," said Seeber. "I look forward to working with the students again next year, and with the many other United Way volunteers at Cornell."

The Garner Summers of Service Program was the vision of Jonathan Feldman '08, in memory of Stephen E. Garner, who served as UWTC campaign chair and UWTC board chair and was president and chief executive officer of Tompkins Trust Co.

"It is gratifying to see so many within the Cornell community -- faculty, staff and students -- involved in the Cornell United Way Campaign," said Paul Streeter, this year's Cornell United Way chair. "Each year, we respond to the needs of the local community, accounting for more than 40 percent of the county's campaign funds and thereby enriching the lives of so many of our neighbors and friends. Our involvement was especially needed this year because of the flooding in September, and I was pleased to see so many people respond to this critical need."

The UWTC celebrated the completion of its 90th community campaign April 26, exceeding its $2.151 million goal by raising $2,160,733.

Media Contact

Joe Schwartz