CAMPUS COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN UNDER WAY; GOAL SET AT $110,000

Nearly 600 faculty and staff contributed to the university Annual Fund drive last year (since renamed the Dominion Fund), and leaders of this year's campaign are hoping to clear the 600 "bar."

Renamed the Campus Community Campaign (from the Faculty/Staff Campaign) to be more inclusive, the 2002 fund drive kicked off March 4 with a goal of $110,000.

And, while organizers acknowledge that some employees may view this as not the best time to be asking for contributions, given the state budget cuts and uncertainty about raises, they also point out that donations are needed now more than ever.

Last year, Old Dominion employees, including emeriti faculty, contributed $109,715 to the campaign, easily topping the $105,000 goal. The average gift was $185.33, and the Office of Student Services won the trophy for the area with the highest participation (76 percent).

Gifts to the 2002 campaign, which runs through April 26, can be made via payroll deduction and designated for any campus area. For example, contributions may be restricted for use by a specific college, the library, athletics, scholarships or the Alumni Association. Unrestricted gifts will be applied toward Dominion Fund priorities.

"Our faculty and staff are generous individuals dedicated to our great university and society," said Tom Isenhour, dean of the College of Sciences, who is serving as a campaign co-chair. "It is an honor and pleasure to be part of this year's Campus Community Campaign. Working together we can do even more than we can as individuals. I am confident that we will exceed expectations and generously support these areas that benefit all of the university community."

As in years past, those who contribute $100 or more will be entered in a contest to win a reserved parking space for one year, added co-chair Donna Meeks, assistant to the vice president for administration and finance.

A new feature of the campaign this year will be a reception to be held at the close of the campaign for all donors and volunteers.

For more information about the campaign call the Office of Development at 683-3090 or visit the Dominion Fund Web site, www.dominionfund.odu.edu.