UHD's first annual Faculty/Staff Giving Campaign will launch later this month with the theme "UHD - We Believe!" A committee of UHD faculty and staff will spearhead the effort and include.

Liza Alonzo (Student Services), Co-chair

Debora Evans (Facilities Management)

Belinda Hernandez (College of Business)

Erica Morales (Employee Services & Operations)

Gene Preuss (College of Humanities & Social Sciences)

Tim Redl (College of Science & Technology)

Leigh Van Horn (College of Public Service)

Jaha Williams (Advancement & External Relations), Co-chair

The campaign's kick off celebration is Tuesday, March 20, in the UHD Coffee House and will have food, fun, prizes and music for faculty and staff.

Co-chair Jaha Williams said, "It's not about the amount of the gift; rather, we want to encourage everyone to participate. So, whether your gift is large or small, all contributions are accepted, encouraged and greatly appreciated."

According to Williams, the Downtown community recognizes the importance of this initiative and many businesses have already made in-kind contributions to ensure its success. Participants in the campaign will be automatically entered into the various drawings to win some of these great gifts. For details on how to be included in the drawing, employees are encouraged to speak to their department's coordinator. Corporate donors who have generously partnered with UHD on this campaign include:

Aramark

Barnes & Noble

Cengage Publishing

Coca-Cola

Eco Rev

Hilton Americas

Hotel Icon

Houston Astros

Line & Lariat

Pearson Publishing

The Spaghetti Warehouse

Studio Movie Grille

Proceeds from this campaign will benefit student scholarships, specific college projects or initiatives, the W.I. Dykes Library and/or an existing endowment fund at the University. Donors will use their pledge cards to designate where their donations should go. For questions about the campaign, please contact Williams at 713-221-8184 or Liza Alonzo at 713-221-8682.