DATE: December 13, 2007

CONTACT: Jennifer Shurley, (864) 656-0243
jshurle@clemson.edu

WRITER: Angela Nixon, (864) 656-0382
anixon@clemson.edu

EXPERT: Jennifer Shurley

Clemson employees give more than $90,000 to United Way

CLEMSON – Clemson University employees donated $90,891 to South Carolina United Way agencies in this year’s fund-raising drive.

More than 520 faculty and staff members made one-time donations or gave money through payroll deduction. Employees could choose the United Way agency of their choice to receive their donation. Fifteen United Way agencies in South Carolina will receive the money, with the largest portion – $50,498 – going to Pickens County. The Anderson County United Way will receive $17,000 and the Oconee County agency will receive $16,368.

“What Clemson University does has a huge impact,” said Julie Capaldi, director of the Pickens County United Way. “Most of the donations are undesignated, which gives us the ability to allocate it where the needs are the greatest. It is very encouraging that Clemson increased its support from last year.”

Clemson exceeded its goal of raising $80,000 for the campaign.

“This campaign is the perfect example of how if everyone contributes a little bit, together, we can make a big difference,” said Jennifer Shurley, associate director for community service, who helped coordinate the campaign. “I am proud to work among colleagues who care about our community and are willing to make a financial commitment to improving the lives of our neighbors.”

Clemson was honored with a Big Ten Award from the Pickens County United Way for donating $42,655 in the 2006 campaign, the fourth highest contribution in the county. Overall, the 2006 campaign raised $78,759 for United Way agencies in the state.