University of South Alabama faculty and staff contributed a record $464,421 to Campaign USA, the University’s first comprehensive fund-raising campaign that seeks to raise $75 million for USA programs, faculty, students and construction over three years.

USA received gifts from 72 percent of its employees, an eight percent increase in participation over last year. Seventy departments increased their employee participation in the fund-raising by ten percent or more. Meanwhile, 66 University departments had 100 percent employee participation this year, up from 49 departments last year. Some 3,232 employees participated in the eight-week campaign, according to Dr. Joseph F. Busta Jr., vice president for development and alumni relations.
President Gordon Moulton said employee participation and support of the University was vital to its success.

 “There isn't anything more important to the health of a university than dedicated employees who believe in and support the mission of the institution. Our annual fund participation says it all! Our employee support and loyalty is without equal.”

The USA Medical Center received special recognition for its high level of employee participation and contributions. During the 2008 Faculty and Staff Annual Fund Campaign Celebration Luncheon, a certificate of merit was presented to Beth Anderson, hospital administrator and Lisa Mestas, leader of the division team, on behalf of all USA Medical Center’s departments.

This year USA faculty and staff contributed $293,175, and the University matched gifts given to endowments with an additional $171,246, for a total of $464,421. Last year’s total was $343,670, including matching funds.

The 2008 campaign was led by Dr. Carl Moore, dean of the Mitchell College of Business and Dr. Becky DeVillier, administrator of USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

“Annual giving through the Faculty/Staff Annual Fund Campaign demonstrates our employees’ commitment to the University and their dedication to help achieve the highest quality possible for our programs,” said Dr. Busta.

The 2008 Faculty/Staff Annual Fund Campaign is part of Campaign USA, which was launched in March 2006 and, to date, has raised $65.5 million. The Campaign USA Leadership team is comprised of local civic, business and national leaders, many of whom are alumni.

Campaign USA will enrich all aspects of USA, from its academic colleges and schools to its hospitals, athletic programs, libraries and campuses. The money raised will be used to fund such items as undergraduate and graduate scholarships, professorships, classroom and laboratory equipment, and health care innovations. Funds will also be used for capital enhancements to USA’s track and tennis programs, a University archives building, and campus plaza and bell tower.

For information on Campaign USA, go to www.campaignusaleadership.com or call (251) 460-7032.
Departments with 100 percent participation were:

The University of South Alabama

Since its founding in 1963, the University of South Alabama has been one of Alabama’s fastest growing universities, currently enrolling more than 14,000 students in a wide range of academic programs in Allied Health Professions, Arts and Sciences, Mitchell College of Business, Computer and Information Sciences, Continuing Education and Special Programs, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. The University has awarded 62,000 degrees.

In addition to teaching and research, USA is one of the largest health care providers in the Mobile region, with its faculty physicians and two hospitals – Children’s & Women’s and USA Medical Center ­­– involved in more than a quarter million patient encounters annually.