University Times

Pitt’s 2015 United Way campaign kicks off on Oct. 7 this year with a renewed effort to expand contact with and participation by more of the Pitt community.

This summer, according to campaign director Anne Franks, executive director of administration in Institutional Advancement, campaign leaders created an advisory council of more seasoned departmental campaign managers from across campus.

They met through the summer to plan how to conduct training for newer managers.

The campaign also plans to sell more “Yinz Give” T-shirts to publicize United Way participation.

The University’s campaign has no overall monetary goal. Running through Jan. 8, 2016, it is being co-chaired by David Eibling, faculty member in the Department of Otolaryngology in the School of Medicine, and Kannu Sahni, director of community relations in the Office of Community and Governmental Relations. Leading the effort to recruit women’s participation in giving at United Way’s higher leadership level is Jinx Walton, chief information officer in Computing Services and Systems Development. Elaine Meisner and Reynolds Clark are retiree co-chairs, while Kate McGlynn, manager of administration in Institutional Advancement, is the campaign’s assistant director.

The opening day kickoff breakfast at the University Club will feature keynote speaker Damon Bethea, project director for the Be a Sixth Grade Mentor program of the United Way.

Regional campuses have their own campaign leadership and efforts. Heading this year’s campaign at Titusville are Stephanie Fiely, director of student activities, and her husband Chris.

At Johnstown, Pamela Sabol, campus director of human resources, will run the campaign again this year. As an incentive there, the United Way of the Laurel Highlands is entering those donating $180 or more into a drawing to win a new car.

On the Bradford campus, Jim Evans, vice president and dean of student affairs, is spearheading the campaign, which has already raised $3,700 of its $11,500 campus goal.

Greensburg’s campaign, headed by Brian Root, assistant director of residence life, is planning to hold a cookie swap again this year, as well as other fundraising events, such as last year’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

—Marty Levine