Beginning Sept. 15, the UALR Steering Committee and UALR Ambassadors are hosting informational sessions about the 2014 UALR Campus Campaign, with treats – free donuts to all departments provided by Sodexo.

When the Campus Campaign began in 2001, 6.5 percent of the campus participated; by 2013, participation rose to 50 percent of all benefits-eligible employees.

For 2014, the goal is to reach a 53 percent employee participation rate, with a dollar goal of $300,000. Since participation is so important to having a successful campaign, this year’s theme is “Our strength is in our numbers!”

“Employee participation in this year’s campaign is critical, and every gift matters,” said new Campus Campaign Steering Committee Chair Aresh Assadi.

“Many areas rely on our gifts to maintain services and develop and grow programs that support our students, our research, and our faculty and staff development,” said Assadi.

“Equally important is that our support demonstrates to alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and community partners that we believe in UALR and that it’s worthy of their support, too.”

Assadi agreed to serve as chair because he strongly believes education is the key to changing lives. In fact, if it weren’t for education, he says his life would have turned out completely different.

Having earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in counseling, Assadi is now working toward his doctorate and is putting his education to work as a counselor in the UALR Counseling Services Office.

For more information about the campaign, contact Laura Wentz at 501.569.3249.

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