CAMPUS COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN OPENS MARCH 18 WITH $125,000 GOAL

Old Dominion employees will soon be asked to give something back to their place of employment through the Dominion Fund's Campus Community Campaign.

The annual fund drive, which raises money for various campus needs, such as library materials and scholarships, kicks off March 18 and will wrap up the last week of April.

Last year, a total of 667 employees and emeriti faculty contributed just over $124,000 to the campaign, and the development office has set a goal of $125,000 for the 2003 fund drive.

Ron Tola, assistant vice president for facilities, and Alice McAdory, director of admissions, are serving as campaign co-chairs.

"The Old Dominion University Dominion Fund affords each of us the opportunity to support a wide variety of programs and initiatives which advance the scholarly life of each ODU student and the overall mission of the university," Tola said.

"It is through the little sacrifices we make every day that we open the doors to discovery for our students and support the efforts of our faculty as they challenge the student body to dare and to do."

McAdory added, "ODU is our community and we take particular pride when our students, co-workers, colleagues or faculty gain recognition. We can be confident that, through our work as a part of the ODU community, we have in some way contributed to their success. Giving to the campus campaign is just another way to contribute to the success of our university community. It's like helping family."

Campaign gifts 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, academic or athletic scholarships, or the Alumni Association. Unrestricted gifts will be applied toward Dominion Fund priorities.

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, said the development office's Ashley Privott, coordinator of the Campus Community Campaign. Last year's winner was David Hamel from the Office of Computing and Communications Services.

Anyone who contributes $100 or more to the athletic department's Big Blue Club will be entered in this contest as well as a drawing for two basketball season tickets. Last year's winner was Robert Ash, interim vice president for research.

Also at the end of the campaign, a trophy will be awarded to the office or area with the highest rate of participation. Last year's winner was the president's office (74 percent).