Next week will mark the start of UHD's annual State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC). For those of you who are new to the university, the SECC is a statutorily authorized workplace campaign for state higher education employees in Texas. Through it, faculty and staff have the opportunity to give to the charities of their choice, either through one-time gifts or through payroll deduction.

There is, of course, no obligation to participate in this campaign, but I do hope that you will take at least a few minutes to look over the more than 600 organizations listed in at the SECC website (http://www.secctexas.org/organizations). If there are organizations listed that you would like to contribute to, please consider contributing to them through the SECC. There are several advantages to doing this. The SECC permits you to allocate your gift to up to six different charities and to spread your payments throughout the year by signing up for payroll deduction. Giving through the SECC not only provides a convenient way for you to help fund those causes you most strongly believe in, it also brings UHD recognition as an institution that truly believes in giving back to the community.

I am always looking for ways to brag about UHD so I was very happy to learn that the total amount given by our faculty and staff last year was $42,622 -a remarkable achievement given the continued difficulties in our economy. This willingness to give back to the community, even in these difficult times, is something in which we should all take pride. I recognize that SECC support is only one of the many ways we give back to our community - be assured that whatever form your contribution to building a stronger community takes, it is greatly appreciated.

Your department's SECC coordinator will soon be contacting you with information about how you can participate in this year's campaign during the next week. The campaign will run through October with a final deadline for turning in contributions of November 9th. Questions about the campaign should be directed to Dr. Akif Uzman (ext. 8019) or Dr. Ken Oberhoff (ext. 8549)

As you know, UHD partners with many great nonprofits. Some of you serve on boards, volunteer, or involve students through service learning courses in the work of these organizations. Many children and families depend on the agencies and organizations that benefit from your support. A small gift goes a long way, so give what you can and help your favorite charity or organization continue their work. Thank you.

Addendum: View the list of charities here.

Once you fill out the form, make two copies. Bring the original and one copy to your area coordinator (see list below) with your signature (no e-signature, please) or bring them to Ms. Anne Cole in N723, One Main Building (713-221-8019). The second copy is for your records.

Coordinators:

David Bradley - Administration and Finance

Karen Alfaro - Advancement and External Affairs

George Anderson - Business Affairs

Ohaness Pakelian - Business: FACIS

Tammy Davis - Business: MMBA

Vanessa Camarena - Community Involvement Center

Catherine Garcia - ESO

Shannon Cunningham - Facilities

Frank Vela - Humanities & Social Sciences: Arts and Humanities

Sucheta Choudhuri - Humanities & Social Sciences: English

David Fairbanks - Humanities & Social Sciences: Social Sciences

Dawn McCarty - Humanities & Social Sciences: Social Sciences

Patricia Strohl - Information Technology

Debra Williams - Library

Rene Salinas - President's Office

Lucy Bowen - Provost's Office

Carolyn Ivey - Provost's Office

Ashley Blackburn - Public Service: CJ and ET

Erin Hodgess - Science & Technology: CMS and ET

Bradley Hog - Science & Technology: NS

Stefany Mitchell - Student Services and Enrollment Management

Po-Chu Leong - Testing Services

Brenetta Brooks - University College