South Raises $245,197 for United Way Agencies

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Posted on January 1, 2016

Alice Jackson

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The University of South Alabama’s dedication and commitment to area communities has been reaffirmed with employees and retirees contributing $245,197 to the 2017 United Way Campaign for the United Way of Southwest Alabama.

A total of 2,341 employees and retirees made gifts, making USA again the community leader for most dollars raised by individual giving.

The total was announced at a recent wrap-up celebration and reception attended by University leaders, campaign unit volunteer representatives and United Way guests.

Campaign leaders Dr. Angela Coleman, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness, and Chris Jett, hospital administrator, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, served as co-chairs of the employee portion of the campaign. Jean Tucker, senior University attorney, and Dr. Suzy Figarola, chair of radiology, were co-chairs of USA’s Women United. Beth Hardaway led the campaign for University retirees.

“Once again, USA is in the top spot with the greatest number of leadership donors in the community,” Jett said. “We have 135 employees and retirees who have given in the Leadership Level of $500 or more. This equates to $127,719 of our giving total.”

Coleman added, “Our USA women have stepped up once more to make a huge difference in our results with 47 Women United members giving a total of $67,098.” Since 2007, USA Women United have contributed a total of $557,100.

The campaign included the largest single donor contribution in the University’s history when a retiree donated $10,000.

The total amount raised by retirees was 30 percent more than last year, making this year’s contribution of $17,477 the largest to date.

Merceria Ludgood, president of the Mobile County Commission and the United Way of Southwest Alabama 2017 Campaign Chair, thanked attendees “for making this another great year for South and the community we serve.”

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