Every year Elon runs a United Way campaign to raise money and awareness for the local United Way branch in Alamance County.

After last year’s employee contributions topped $43,000, the campaign aims to raise more than $45,000 with this year’s efforts.

Scott Nelson, assistant dean of students and Jessica Gisclair, associate professor of communications, are working together as co-chairs of this year’s campaign.

“When Dr. Francis [vice-president for academic affairs] asked me to help, I was a little selfish at first and wanted to say ‘I don’t have the time’,” Nelson said. “A few seconds later, I knew the right thing to do was to help.”

Currently, the Elon United Way campaign is looking toward the faculty members, staff members and administration to give their moral and financial support; however, Nelson and Gisclair are discussing ways to invite the students to participate as well.

For more than a decade the campaign was successfully launched through e-mails sent to faculty and staff members, information tables hosted at College Coffee, and letters and pledge forms that were sent out in the mail.

Additionally, the committee held drawings for prizes for those who contributed funding, regardless of the amount contributed. In his first year as returning co-chair since 2004, Nelson is optimistic about the university’s support of the 2007 campaign.

“I think that Elon will always want to support the United Way for many reasons,” Nelson said. “One of the main reasons is that it is the right thing to do—to help the community we live in. We should all take interest in our community and help address its needs as we can.”

Nelson said the organization’s mission and values correspond with Elon’s emphasis on direct involvement. He said this level of dedication to community service is “engaged learning at its best.”

The mission of the Elon United Way campaign is one to which Nelson personally connects. Prior to attending graduate school, he spent time as a social worker. During this time, many of his clients depended on United Way-funded agencies for their most pressing needs. These agencies provided his clients with the food, clothing, healthcare and social outlets necessary for survival.

“I was able to see first-hand how these agencies assisted the elderly, the very young, and those with physical and mental disabilities to live a more full and engaging life,” Nelson said.

According to their official Web site, United Way International is a non-profit organization that works with various philanthropies to strengthen communities around the world. UWI has established itself as a global leader through donations, volunteering and the development of strategic partnerships. UWI has worked on numerous international campaigns while operating in 45 countries. Within the past four years, UWI made hundreds of grants globally, totaling more than $20 million.

A&E Editor: Ashley Dischinger - 10/24/07