FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005
Contact: Bill Bissett, Director of Public Relations (304) 746-2038
 

Marshall University kicks off expanded United Way campaign Nov. 1

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – As part of Marshall University’s strong connection with its community, President Stephen J. Kopp launched an expanded United Way campaign that will encompass all employees of Marshall University, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Marshall Community & Technical College.

A campus-wide initiative of letters, e-mails, phone messages and other information designed to increase participation with the United Way was released Nov. 1.

“I’m a believer in the United Way and its many accomplishments,” President Kopp said. “As Marshall University serves as a leader within our community, we have the opportunity to better serve the people who are in need right here in our backyard. That’s what impresses me the most about the United Way – it helps people close to home.”

In order to increase the outreach of the United Way campaign, President Kopp has brought together a “Blue-Ribbon” committee, which was selected to represent different departments and campuses of Marshall. Members of the United Way Blue-Ribbon committee include Joe Dragovich, co-chair; William (Tootie) Carter,  co-chair; Bill Bissett, co-chair; Judy Blevins, Andy Hermansdorfer, Stephanie Neal and Marshall Student Body President Michael Misiti.

For the first time, Marshall students will also be a part of the United Way campaign. The Blue-Ribbon committee is instituting a raffle for a prize basket of more than $500 worth of items ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants to Marshall sportswear.

“We thought a raffle would be a great way for students to get involved in this year’s campaign,” Misiti said. “I appreciate all the donations we received from local businesses and feel certain that Marshall’s students will be participating heavily in this fundraiser.” 

To monitor the progress of Marshall’s United Way campaign, large thermometers will be placed outside the university’s Huntington and South Charleston campuses to increase awareness about the campaign and show the path towards reaching the $55,000 goal.

For more information about the United Way campaign, visit the Marshall / United Way Web page at www.marshall.edu/ucomm/unitedway/ or contact Tootie Carter at (304) 696-2528 or Bill Bissett at (304) 746-2038.

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