It's starting to feel like spring -- and with the new season's arrival come crocuses, daffodils and the annual Penn State Faculty and Staff Campaign.
The Faculty and Staff Campaign provides an opportunity for University employees to help enhance the quality of the University's programs through their financial contributions. Employees can direct their gifts to the college, campus or program of their choice through a payment option that works best for them, including payroll deduction.
"I give to the Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art because I'm proud of the work they do for the museum, and by extension for Penn State. I know how hard the group works to raise money for the museum, and I know it truly is for good causes," said Robin Seymour, coordinator of Membership and Public Relations at the Palmer Museum of Art.
"I also like the convenience of the automatic deduction," she added. "It's just one less check to write. I can give to the Friends in a way that makes me feel good and in a way that makes giving easy."
Other examples of programs that benefit from faculty and staff giving include undergraduate and graduate scholarships, public broadcasting, the University Libraries, faculty support, arts services, Intercollegiate Athletics, the Four Diamonds Fund, the Children's Miracle Network, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center and a host of other options -- employees can direct contributions to the area of their choice at the University.
Last year's efforts raised more than $3.2 million, with a 29 percent participation rate across the University.
"Today the Faculty and Staff Campaign is playing a more important role than ever before as Penn State faces the ongoing issue of inadequate state appropriations," said Alan Scaroni, professor of energy and geo-environmental engineering, and volunteer chair for the Faculty and Staff Campaign. "Participation at any level shows a firm belief in Penn State's future."
Look for the annual Faculty and Staff campaign information packet to arrive in campus mailboxes next week. Visit http://www.giveto.psu.edu/WhoContributes/FacultyAndStaff/FacStaffForm.pdf for a printable online contribution form.