KU News Release

KU completes United Way campaign, raising nearly $250,000 for Douglas County

Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education and chair of KU’s United Way campaign, pulls away the last piece of a sign, signifying the completion of this year’s campaign. KU raised nearly $250,000 for the United Way of Douglas County by the completion goal. University Relations/Mike Krings

LAWRENCE — Tough economic times have not dampened the sense of goodwill and giving at the University of Kansas.

KU wrapped up its 2008 United Way campaign today, gathering nearly $250,000 for charitable organizations throughout Douglas County.

Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education and KU’s campaign chair, removed the last strip from a Jayhawk sign near Murphy Hall, symbolically revealing the campaign’s successful completion. Color was added to several of the signs as the campaign progressed, monitoring the level of giving. Ginsberg said he was impressed by the KU community’s charitable spirit.

“Despite the difficult economic times affecting everyone on campus, the results of our United Way campaign are a testament to the selflessness and generosity of the human spirit in our KU family,” Ginsberg said. “Once again a KU team came through, this time to support the neediest in our county. We should all be as proud of this achievement as any victory we’ve experienced in recent times.”

Colleen Gregoire, vice president and campaign director of United Way of Douglas County, said the number and total percentage of KU employees taking part in the campaign increased this year. The average gift amount from KU donors was among the highest of Big 12 universities as well, she added.

The 2008 goal was $248,000. By the final day, KU donors had given $248,922.87, a record for the KU campaign. The campaign is still accepting donations. Anyone who would like to give should contact Jessica Pryor, administrative associate in the chancellor’s office, at (785) 864-3131 or jcpryor@ku.edu.

“This year has been wonderful,” Gregoire said. “KU has stepped up and gone beyond the goal. The generosity of this great group of Jayhawks is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in helping a number of great causes throughout Douglas County.”

For more information about United Way of Douglas County, visit www.unitedwaydgco.org.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.