Giving by Faculty and Staff Sets Records

For the fifth consecutive year, UT Dallas’ contributions to the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) have bested the previous year’s donations.

Gifts since 2004 have increased over 600 percent — from $19,000 to nearly $119,000 in 2008 — and  gifts of $1,000 or more increased 17 fold in that same time despite the current economic downturn.

“My sincerest thanks to Drs. Doug and Catherine Eckel, this year’s leadership chairs, and to our SECC leader Dr. Dena Jackson, as well as the SECC core committee and all of the volunteers who made this campaign successful,” said President Daniel.  “On behalf of the entire University community, I thank everyone who gave of their time and money to help others.”

Preliminary results for the 2008 campaign show: 

• $118,479 in gifts — up from $101,280 in 2007.
• 51 “Leadership” gifts of $1,000 or more — up from 35 in 2007.
• More than 580 total contributors completing donation forms — up from 513 in 2007.

More than $24,000 in gifts to UT Dallas’ own programs — the Academic Bridge Program and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders.

The SECC is the only authorized workplace campaign for state agency and higher education employees throughout Texas.  It supports more than 500 charitable programs, and in 2007 the initiative raised $9.74 million for organizations in Texas.

Each September and October, UT Dallas employees have the opportunity to learn about the charities in the SECC and select those they wish to help.  Participants had the option of making a one-time gift by cash or check or having the gift deducted from each paycheck.

More information about UT Dallas’ involvement in the SECC, including the goals and organizations involved, is available at www.utdallas.edu/secc.

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