The University of South Alabama’s United Way Campaign recently held a reception to celebrate total giving of $266,679, making USA the largest employee-funded campaign for the United Way of Southwest Alabama.

USA United Way Campaign Chair Dr. Richard Hayes, dean of the College of Education, was assisted by Carol Druckenmiller, assistant administrator at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

The USA United Way contributions came from 2,461 employees, and a large number of leadership-level gifts of over $500 were committed this year. The number of leadership-level donors was 147.

In addition, an effort to increase the number of female donors in the $1,000-and-up level netted 45 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 37 participants last year.

The reception for the departmental representatives was held at the Faculty Club. Front row, from left, Cynthia Porter, Marian Zambrano, Carol Druckenmiller, Dr. Lynn Chilton, Suzanne Goins, Cindy Montee and Kitty Emery. Second Row: Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Dr. Joseph Busta, Dr. Alvin Williams, Becky Tate, Dr. Susan Ledoux, Marcina Lang, Dr. Andrea Agnew, Patricia Brewer, Ronda Girardeau, Judy Watson, Judy Miller and Anita Miller. Back Row: Norville Norwood, Dr. Veronica Hudson, Hal Hopper, Dr. Jonathan Scammell, Jean Tucker, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Johnson, United Way Chair Joel Daves, United Way 2012 Campaign Chair Mike Saxon, Dr. Bob Coleman, Aimee Meyers, Ashley Suggs and Sonya Logan.

The United Way has been serving the community for 85 years, tackling issues by partnering with 52 agencies in Mobile, Clarke, and Washington counties. Approximately 700 companies and organizations run an employee-giving campaign to support more than 600,000 individuals each year.