The 2005 Faculty/Staff Annual Fund campaign offers a chance for the USA community to demonstrate its belief in the University.

Annual Fund gifts help strengthen USA, improve programs and services, build a better environment for learning, work and service, and establish a legacy for future generations. When faculty and staff contribute to USA, they serve as great role models for the entire community, Annual Fund leaders say.

Co-chairs for this year's campaign are Dr. John Steadman, dean of the College of Engineering, and Dr. Joseph LoCicero III, professor of surgery.

Dr. John Steadman		Dr. Joseph LoCicero III

"Nothing is more important to private donors than to know that faculty and staff have themselves demonstrated their commitment to the University," Steadman says.

Steadman and LoCicero both said that their main goal is to have high participation from across the University community. The leaders say every gift is appreciated. The 2005 goal for fundraising is $125,000.

In 2004, the Faculty/Staff Annual Fund raised more than $117,000, up from $85,000 raised in 2003.

Some 1,821 USA employees, nearly 40 percent, participated in last year's annual fund, up from 22 percent in 2003.

Offices with 100 percent participation in 2004 were: the Registrar; Public Relations; Publications; School of Computer and Information Sciences; College of Nursing; President's Office; University Attorney; Baugh Biomedical Library; and Development and Alumni Relations.

Groups with the highest percentage of participation increase last year were: Governmental Relations; Sponsored Programs; College of Allied Health Professions; College of Engineering; and USA Knollwood.

The 2005 campaign continues through April 15. Donations may be designated for a specific purpose or applied to the greatest areas of need. Gifts made to endowment accounts will be matched by the University.

All contributions made to the USA Annual Fund are confidential and tax-deductible.

For more information, call the University Office of Development at 460-7032.