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Faculty and staff choose Concordia 

Community Campaign gearing up across the university

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Each year, Concordians are asked to open their hearts and lend their support to students. This year, their contributions will be even more critical because they will set the stage for the launch of a comprehensive fundraising campaign in the fall, says Kathleen Perry, Advisor, Special Programs and Projects for the Faculty of Fine Arts.

That’s why Perry and other Community Campaign volunteers are going above and beyond the call of duty when asking their peers to support the university and its students. The comprehensive campaign, whose theme is “I Choose Concordia,” is an ambitious, multi-year initiative aimed at advancing the university’s strategic framework.

Since the Community Campaign is integral to the comprehensive campaign, there are more than 50 volunteer canvassers — and counting — like Perry in departments across the university. The Community Campaign also relies on snail mail, email, and telephone calls from student fundraisers to spread the word. Still, “the personal approach is easily the most effective way of relaying the need for funds and the importance of university-wide participation,” says Nancy Wada, Development Officer, Community Programs, for the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office.

Joanne Beaudoin, Administrative Director for the School of Graduate Studies, agrees, adding that she “wants to increase participation by making giving personal. Many staff members in Graduate Studies have regular interactions with students and see the importance of giving in students’ lives for themselves.”

In fact, Beaudoin and Patricia Verret, Assistant Director, Graduate Awards and Postdoctoral Fellows, recently met Amanda Rizk, recipient of the School of Graduate Studies Support Staff Award that was established by the department’s members. Rizk was so touched to receive the award that she attended a recent staff meeting hosted by Beaudoin and Verret to express her gratitude and urge others to contribute.

Volunteers are creating awareness in other ways, too. For example, Enza de Cubellis, Director of Administration for the VP External Relations/ Secretary General, and Nancy Marrelli, Director, Archives, teamed up to host a cupcake party for the Office of the Vice-President, External Relations and Secretary General. While treating attendees to afternoon sweets, they spoke about the importance of participating in the Community Campaign.

Advancement and Alumni Relations Office volunteers hosted an event that featured an Olympic torch relay and a video presentation to encourage all other members to build on the department’s 97% participation rate last year.

The 2009-10 deadline to contribute to the Community Campaign is May 31 (or May 7 if you’re starting a payroll pledge). As comprehensive campaign efforts gain momentum, volunteers will be counting on your support.

Find out more about the Community Campaign and how you can help online.