University of South Alabama Press Release

University of South Alabama, Office of Public Relations

September 9, 2011
Contact: Jennifer Z. Ekman, USA Public Relations, (251) 460-6360

USA Trustees Recognize Dedication and Generosity of USA Faculty and Staff

At the recent USA Board of Trustees meeting are from left, USA Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Dr. Joseph Busta; USA Dean of Students and 2011 Faculty Staff Annual Fund Co-Chair Dr. Michael Mitchell; USA Department of Orthopedics Chair and Professor and 2011 Faculty Staff Annual Fund Co-Chair Dr. Fred Meyer; and USA Board of Trustees Chair Jim Yance.

The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees recently passed a resolution recognizing USA faculty and staff for their dedication to philanthropy through both University annual giving campaigns.

University employees donated a record $567,356 in gifts and matching funds during the 2011 Faculty Staff Annual Fund campaign, surpassing the $501,632 goal. Some 67 percent of University employees participated, with 50 departments achieving 100 percent giving participation. Dr. Fred Meyer, professor and chair of orthopedics, and Dean of Students Dr. Michael Mitchell served as co-chairs of the campaign, whose theme was “The Power of You.”

Funds support University students, programs and those served by the University. The campaign’s annual success is in great part due to the division and department representatives who distribute campaign brochures, posters, and pledge cards.

The Board recognized “the vital partnership existing between itself and the faculty and staff employees to advance the mission of the University of South Alabama” and it acknowledged the “extraordinary generosity of the faculty and staff donors, whose exemplary support will redound to the benefit of all citizens served by the University.”

In further evidence of their generosity, USA employees also contributed $263,335 to the United Way of Southwest Alabama Campaign, ranking USA among the highest givers in the region.