The University of South Alabama’s United Way Campaign recently held a reception to celebrate total giving of $263,335, making USA among the largest employee-funded campaigns for the United Way of Southwest Alabama. 

USA United Way Campaign Chair Dr. Vaughn Millner, interim dean of the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs, was assisted by USA United Way Campaign Co-Chair Elmer Sellers, assistant hospital administrator for the USA Medical Center. 

The USA United Way contributions came from more than 2,400 employees, and a larger number of leadership-level gifts of over $500 were committed this year. The number of leadership-level donors rose to 156 from 146 in 2009.

In addition, an effort to increase the number of female donors in the $1,000-and-up level netted 31 participants in the “Women’s Initiative,” which was led by Becky Tate, chief executive of the USA Health Services Foundation, and Senior University Attorney Jean Tucker. That was up from 30 participants last year.

The reception, which was held at the Alfred and Lucile Delchamps Archaeology Building, recognized the departmental leaders of the campaign. Front row, from left, departmental representative Cris Smith, USA United Way Co-Chair Elmer Sellers, USA President Gordon Moulton, USA United Way Chair Dr. Vaughn Millner, USA Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Dr. Joseph Busta and Women’s Initiative Chair Becky Tate. Middle row, from left, departmental representatives Deborah Musgrove, Geneva Staggs, Melissa Wold, Joanna Bowen, Dorothy Jones, Kristyn Seawell, Betty Bullock and Marcy Matherne. Back row, from left, departmental representatives Ronda Girardeau, Marion Zambrano, Reeve Cabral, Leslie Carley and Kim Barnes.

The United Way has been serving the community for 84 years, tackling issues by partnering with 58 agencies in Mobile, Clarke, and Washington counties. Approximately 700 companies and organizations run an employee-giving campaign to support more than 125,000 individuals each year.