UM News

Surrounded by his co-workers, Jaret Payne, a technical analyst in UM Information Technology, proudly displays the two roundtrip airline tickets from American Airlines he won at last Tuesday’s United Way reception, which honored employees who helped the University surpass the $1 million mark in its campaign.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (February 25, 2016)—Demonstrating the power of UM service and philanthropy, faculty and staff contributed their time, talents, and treasure to propel the University through one of its most successful United Way campaigns, once again raising more than $1 million for the charitable organization that works to improve the lives of Miami-Dade’s citizens.

Through the diligent effort of dedicated ambassadors who coordinated the 2015 campaign at the grassroots level, more than 3,700 faculty and staff participated, raising more than $1.224 million—up from the $1.16 million raised in the previous campaign.

“I would like to thank our wonderful ambassadors and each and every one of our employees who participated in a fundraising event, or made a payroll pledge, or gave a one-time gift,” said Larry Marbert, UM’s vice president for real estate and facilities, who chaired the University’s 2015 campaign. “Every contribution makes a difference, and collectively we—the U—continue to make a difference in our community.”

Employees who donated 1 percent of their salary to the campaign and United Way ambassador champions who played a critical role in the fundraising drive’s success were honored at a special reception last Tuesday at the Shalala Student Center, where they were rewarded with prizes ranging from admission tickets to the Miami Children’s Museum to first/business class roundtrip tickets on American Airlines to any destination in the United States.

Aside from being successful, the 2015 campaign was also fun, with a variety of innovative events and fundraisers. They included the Dunk Tank, Candy Grams, Coin Wars, Hoop it Up,  Cupcake Wars, candle sales, a holiday bazaar, a fun workout, Diwali cart, Taste of UM, and the UM/Princeton men’s basketball game, to name a few.

One of only a handful of local institutions to consistently exceed the $1 million mark in United Way fundraising, UM has supported the charitable organization for nearly 40 years, enhancing countless lives through a host of programs aimed at improving education, financial stability, and health.