Dear Colleagues:

As many of you are aware, each year we make a concerted team effort through our annual United Way campaign to help those in need. Indeed, with your support, the United Way of Miami-Dade makes a real difference in the lives of tens of thousands of community members by supporting numerous social service programs.

As we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with our families and loved ones, we were reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. With the economy still not fully recovered and unemployment remaining high, we need to pull together for those who are hurting in our community. After-school programs, health screenings, substance abuse intervention, initiatives supporting financial stability—your United Way campaign contribution makes all of these endeavors and much more possible.

Thanks to your generosity, last year Team UM raised $1 million—a remarkable achievement. (To see a special thank you from United Way printed in yesterday’s Miami Herald, click here.) This year’s goal is to raise $1.2 million and to increase participation and support across the University. As of November 22, we have raised close to $740,000, about 60 percent of our goal. But our participation rate is only 25 percent. With the end of the semester approaching, I know that many of you are extremely busy and have not had time to go online to make your pledge. Therefore we will be extending the deadline to December 31 to give everyone an opportunity to make a difference. If you have not already done so, please be sure to make your pledge before that date. After December 31, we will not be able to accept any more pledges for the 2011 campaign.

If you have already made your gift—thank you! Your willingness and personal sacrifice to make a positive impact in the lives of others is greatly appreciated. If you have not made your pledge, I hope that you will do so today by visiting MyUM. Help us show South Florida once again that the University of Miami can be counted on when needed.

Thank you for everything you do in support of our University.