by Dr. Elisabetta Zengaro
Communications Specialist, Division of Community Affairs

As the campus community prepares for the season of giving, the UA United Way Campaign leadership announced success in the 2023 campus campaign, sharing that the campus community exceeded its $400,000 goal by raising $401,643.09* to support families and individuals in need.

With Big Al leading the drum roll, Dr. Sebrena Jackson, Dr. Lewis Lee, and Carrie Turner, campaign co-chairs, along with Brie Campbell, loaned executive, revealed the total during the campaign celebration at Little Hall lawn on Thursday, Dec. 7.

“This year’s theme, ‘Supporting a Stronger World: United for Impact,’ captures the essence of the School of Social Work and our campus, as well as the importance of working together to support those in need throughout our community and the West Alabama area,” said Turner. “Thank you again for making this campaign such a success.”

The 2023 theme reflects the mission within the School of Social Work (SSW), host unit for the 2023 UA United Way campaign. Campaign leadership thanked the campus community for “supporting a stronger world” through their giving to United Way.

“United Way [of West Alabama] touches all of our lives, and fundamentally the social work profession is intrinsically aligned with these goals, mission and vision to impact lives in the community,” said Dr. Schnavia Hatcher, dean of SSW. “Individuals, both children and adults, as well as families, will be in a better position to experience enhanced living conditions because of your commitment to this campaign.”

UA President Dr. Stuart R. Bell thanked Social Work for its role in this year’s campaign and the Division of Community Affairs for its support of the campaign, also acknowledging the generosity of faculty, staff and retirees. He also thanked campaign coordinators for their leadership.

The following 11 units reached or exceeded their unit goal and were also recognized: Advancement; Community Affairs; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Graduate School; Honors College; Law School; Office of the President; School of Social Work; OTIDE; TUARA (Retirees); and University Libraries.

Jackie Wuska, CEO of United Way of West Alabama (UWWA), and Chris Gunter, 2023 UWWA campaign chair, also expressed their gratitude for the University community uniting to support individuals and families in need throughout West Alabama.

“You are the heart and soul of this campaign, and it’s such a wonderful reflection on the University and the Capstone we love so much,” Wuska said.

The campaign will continue through the end of the semester. Donations can be made through the secure online giving portal through Monday, Dec. 18. Those who prefer to give via pledge card may do so through Friday, Dec. 15. Donations of at least $60 will qualify for a donor rewards card containing offers from a variety of West Alabama businesses.

The Division of Community Affairs leads the annual UA United Way Campaign with a structure that provides opportunities for UA colleges and administrative units to host the campaign each year. The United Way of West Alabama has 30 partner agencies and plays a vital role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Partner agencies from Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties provide a variety of education, income-related, health and emergency-response programs to citizens throughout West Alabama. 

*Author’s note: At the conclusion of the 2023 calendar year, the final giving total was $406,422.09.