The highly successful 2008 NDSU United Way campaign has been honored by United Way of Cass-Clay; and the university’s 2009 effort is set to begin this week. 

At the Oct. 9 meeting of the President’s Council, NDSU was presented with the “Milestone Campaign Award,” which recognizes the institution’s record giving level of $125,688 during its 2008 campaign.

Randy Johnson, second vice chair of the United Way campaign cabinet and vice president of human resources and development at Blue Cross Blue Shield, made the presentation. Accepting the honor were President Joseph A. Chapman; Char Goodyear, NDSU employee campaign coordinator and assistant to the vice president for University Relations; and Bonnie Neas, Key Club campaign coordinator and vice president for information technology.

“NDSU runs a very special campaign,” Johnson said. “This is an award that recognizes NDSU as being in the top echelon of people who support United Way. We are grateful, and our agencies are grateful for that.” 

Judy Green, president of United Way of Cass-Clay, said NDSU is sixth among local businesses and institutions in its level of giving. “NDSU is a building block of our community. We are privileged to have so many NDSU personnel give back to our community and make a difference. You really understand what it means to care. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said.

The 2009 campaign begins Oct 15 and faculty and staff can expect to receive information by the end of the month. She said the goal for the 2009 campus campaign is $131,950, which represents a five percent increase from last year.

“In an effort to go green, we are going to an e-pledging system this year. Faculty and staff will receive information about this important change,” Goodyear said. “I urge people to consider making a pledge. The campaign theme of ‘Live United’ is so true because when we give to United Way, we truly improve the lives of others in our community.” 

The goal for the total United Way of Cass-Clay 2009 community campaign is $4.87 million. For more information about United Way, visit www.uwcc.net.