More than 50 percent of faculty and staff members at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock contributed to the 2019 ALL IN Campus Campaign. Nationwide, just 25 percent of college employees give to their institutions.

Participation increased from 46 percent in 2018 to 53 percent in 2019. More than 650 UA Little Rock employees rallied together to raise more than $321,000 through the campus campaign. 

“This year’s campaign brought an exciting level of interest, and it was wonderful to hear so much discussion around campus on the importance of supporting our university,” said Dr. David Montague, a faculty member of the Campus Campaign Steering Committee.

Chancellor Christina Drale set the tone for the campaign during University Assembly in September, when she announced a personal donation of $25,000 to create an endowed scholarship to support the university’s Academy for Teaching and Learning Excellence (ATLE).

Shortly following that proclamation, Chancellor Drale decided to match all gifts from first-time donors dollar for dollar up to $1,000. Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, pledged the same. Through this matching initiative, 41 first-time donors gave gifts totaling more than $3,000.

“I witness the impact annual giving has on our students every day,” said Anthony Buttrum, scholarship coordinator and campus campaign ambassador. “Most of our students are in financial need, and I am proud to help support them as they pursue their degrees. I am grateful that our department as a whole was able to support students and the university this year through the campus campaign.”

The real demonstration of unity was realized when faculty and staff members rallied to support Helping Hands, an annual Staff Senate campaign that provides holiday gift baskets for those in need. Through both the donation of canned goods and monetary contributions, many families were provided with food baskets to ensure they had a warm meal over the holidays.

“Because of the outpouring of Trojan Spirit, 50 families were able to receive help during the holidays,” said Rosalie Shahan, chair of the Staff Senate Helping Hands Committee. “I’m so grateful for a campus that comes together to meet such an important need. I hope that next year we will be able to meet the need again!”   

Members of UA Little Rock’s Department of Public Safety were among 19 departments to achieve 100 percent participation for the campaign. The department went all in and donated canned goods to the Trojan Food Pantry. Collectively, they donated more than 20 pounds of food to assist students and staff members who experience food insecurity.  

“This campus is like my second home, and the faculty, staff, and students here are like a second family to me,” said Shawna Diaz, a member of the Campus Campaign Steering Committee. “It is very rewarding to be a campus campaign ambassador and to volunteer on the campus campaign steering committee, while also pledging my personal support to the Trojan Food Pantry and the Helping Hands Program. I am proud to be able to contribute in part to the mission of the institution and also to assist fellow co-workers and, most importantly, the student body.”

Departments with 100 percent participation received reusable UA Little Rock canvas tote bags. They include Alumni and Development, Business Micro Computer Lab, Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Chancellor’s Office, College of Arts, Letters, and Science’s Dean’s Office, Counseling Services, Facilities Management – Engineering, Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, Mail Services, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of Military Student Success, Office of Title IX, Office of Transfer Student Services, PEAW First Year Experience, Public Safety, STEM Education Center, Sequoyah National Research Center, Study Abroad, and University Affairs.  

“As both a UA Little Rock alumna and a long-time employee, I’ve seen the different ways our students need financial help. Most need help paying for tuition, fees, and books. Many also need food, tire repairs, and appropriate clothes for job interviews,” said Linda Stipsky, chair of the steering committee. “I said ‘yes’ without hesitation when asked to chair ALL IN 2019. The high percentage of our faculty and staff who donate is a sign to other donors of how much we believe in and support our students and their higher education goals.” 

Members of the 2019 Campus Campaign Steering Committee include Linda Stipsky, J.R. Andrews, Aresh Assadi, Dr. Mark Baillie, Jesse Ball, Yuliana Barajas, Dr. Amy Barnes, Dr. Greg Barrett, Dr. Hollis Bray, Reed Claiborne, Shawna Diaz, Cassie Gehring, Dr. Tony Hall, Darius Maize, Dr. David Montague, Ashley Nipp, Angela Parker, Michael Singleton, Dr. Cynthia Taylor, and Samantha Wiley.