Wichita State employees up 23 percent in United Way contributions

By Bruce Erickson

WSU employees set a record for giving to the United Way in 1999, surpassing the previous year’s total by 23 percent.

A total of 267 WSU employees contributed $53,864 to the United Way campaign, up more than $10,000 over 1998’s total. The number of givers on campus declined by 11, but their average gift rose from $157 to $202, an increase of 28 percent.

The previous record of giving by WSU employees $50,244 was set in 1995.

Leaders of the most recent campus campaign said WSU faculty and staff responded with great sensitivity to the disasters that many Wichita-area residents, including WSU employees, experienced over the past 15 months.

Mike Turner, director of human resources and a longtime United Way volunteer, said employees were well aware of the need for the services provided by United Way agencies.

"I sensed that the campus was very sensitive to the needs of people who suffered personal losses as a result of the October (1998) floods and the Haysville tornado (in May)," said Turner.

"Agencies such the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, Catholic Charities and many others helped meet the personal needs of people who lost their homes."

Woody DePontier, director of facilities maintenance, landscape and grounds maintenance, said he was proud of the campus response.

"I think it speaks well of our employees and the university as a whole when we pitch in like this and help people in need. I’m very proud of the way people on campus responded this year."