OSU exceeds 2022 United Way goal of $250K
Friday, March 3, 2023
Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University exceeded its $250,000 goal for the United Way Agency Campaign in Payne County in 2022 with the help of students and faculty invested in improving their community.
At OSU, people can get involved with the agency in many ways. Each academic college has a team created to organize fundraisers and events to support the campuswide goal each year. Students and staff may participate in fun runs, cook-offs and corn hole tournaments. Greek life also gets involved through varsity revue ticket sale proceeds. Many of the fundraisers seen on campus lead back to United Way.
The United Way Agency invests in promoting education, improving safety, and reducing poverty. A few of their 22 partner agencies include Wings of Hope, the Saville Center, the Red Cross, Stillwater Literacy Council and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The money donated to United Way helps provide Payne County residents in need with food, running water, electricity, medical care, legal services and mental health assistance when they may not be able to afford it otherwise.
OSU has contributed over a quarter of the $1 million campaign goal set by United Way. Under the supervision of Dr. Jon Pedersen and co-chair Dr. Gina Peek, the OSU campaign raised well over the projected mark and pushed United Way to meet its annual goal for 2022.
"The generosity of our Cowboy family shone brightly this year, and our community is stronger because of it,” Pedersen said. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and commitment to the United Way of Payne County OSU campaign, helping us meet and exceed the goal.”
Peek is new to the co-chair position, but has enjoyed her first year learning about the campaign. She found that far more in Stillwater partners with United Way than she thought and encourages students to get involved.
“If you want to get involved with the United Way campaign, consider volunteering for one of their 22 partnering agencies,” Peek said. “And if you want to get involved on campus, see your department head about what fundraising events are available in your college. Each college at OSU contributes in different ways, from chili cook-offs to corn hole tournaments. My favorite activity is participating in fun runs. It’s a small way to contribute to the community.”
Additionally, faculty and staff have the option to take payroll deductions to donate to the campaign. They may also set up their own fundraiser through campaign kits found on the OSU Campaign HQ website. By doing so, OSU has become the largest contributor to United Way’s campaign.
For more information about the campaign and how to contribute, visit https://www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/osu-campaign-hq.
Story By: Haley Simpson | haley.simpson@okstate.edu