University Times

More than a half-million dollars has been raised through the University’s 2006 United Way fundraising drive, surpassing the goal set.

As of last week, more than 2,300 faculty, staff and retirees had pledged $534,916, surpassing the $500,000 goal and topping last year’s total.

“I am very pleased with the success of our recent United Way campaign,” said G. Reynolds Clark, co-chair of Pitt’s campaign and vice chancellor for community initiatives and chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor. “By committing more than $530,000, our participating faculty and staff members have enabled us to surpass our campaign goal by 6.9 percent and last year’s total by $19,489. For their generosity, the Pitt United Way campaign committee is extremely grateful.”

The overall participation rate of less than 20 percent fell short of the campaign committee’s targeted goal of 30 percent. Administration beat the targeted rate, with 34.9 percent participating. The other participation rates were 26.4 percent for the Provost area and 12.72 percent for the Schools of the Health Sciences.

The campaign also saw an increase of seven donors in the leadership category, those who pledged at least $1,000. The increase brought that total to 184.

The committee is looking into ways to increase the number of those who donate in next year’s campaign, officials said.

United Way donations still are being accepted. Credit card and billed pledges can be made online at www.pitt.edu/~united. Payroll pledge forms can be obtained through Jean McDonough at 412/624-5846 or jean.mcdonough@ia.pitt.edu.