Purdue United Way Campaign kicks off

Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, speaks Wednesday (Sept. 12) at the kickoff of Purdue's 2018 United Way campaign. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox) Download image

Purdue's 2018 United Way campaign kicked off Wednesday (Sept. 12) with the goal of raising $825,000 for local agencies. The campaign ends Nov. 14.

Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, is encouraging volunteers to take the energy from the kickoff to inspire their colleges and departments throughout the campaign.  

“The United Way campaign is an important opportunity for our campus to come together in support of the Greater Lafayette community,” Akridge says. “Boilermakers have big hearts, and I am confident we can reach this year’s target of $825,000 -- and even make a Giant Leap far beyond it. Hitting our goal means the community wins and I look forward to celebrating that success in November.”

Volunteers with the Purdue United Way Campaign celebrate the campaign kickoff on Wednesday (Sept. 12). (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox) Download image

Rhonda Phillips, dean of the Honors College, is this year's campaign chair, and David Reingold, the Justin S. Morrill Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, is the vice chair.

The ePledge online pledge system continues this year. Donors can donate an unrestricted gift to the United Way of Greater Lafayette or can choose a specific UWGL agency for their donations. Gifts can be made through payroll deduction or as a one-time donation. For credit card transactions, the United Way of Greater Lafayette contracts with CyberSource, a trusted name in e-commerce meeting industry security standards.

A link to donate and more information about the United Way Campaign and the Purdue Alumni Association's September Month of Service can be found on the Purdue United Way website. Questions about the campaign can be directed to Megan Dale, director of Purdue United Way, at unitedway@purdue.edu or 765-494-9240.

In addition, Purdue University Libraries and Barnes & Noble will host a book fair Sunday (Sept. 15) to raise money for United Way. A percentage of each purchase accompanied with a United Way voucher will be donated to United Way. Vouchers can be picked up by contacting Mary Sego with Purdue Libraries at msego@purdue.edu. Online purchases can also be used to donate by visiting www.bn.com/bookfairs and using this code: 12418810.