This year’s All-University Fund Drive posted higher numbers than last year with 409 employees participating in the Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 campaign. Overall dollars raised totaled $167,266 – a 39 percent increase over last year.

“I am extremely pleased with the level of participation we have seen this year by OU faculty and staff members,” said OU President Gary Russi. “I am continually amazed by the commitment of our employees to enhancing university programs and services as we continue toward our vision of delivering a distinctive educational experience for our students.”

Campaign co-chairs Patrick Nicosia and Elaine Didier agree that this year’s fund drive was a success for the university.

“Dr. Russi’s match really encourages people to make a gift because there’s so much bang for the buck,” Nicosia said. “For example, the net cost to contributors after tax relief on a $150 gift, with $50 coming from the president’s match, is under $40.”

This is Nicosia’s third year serving as co-chair of the fund drive, and he says he’s pleased that his service as co-chair is one of the last contributions he’ll make as an OU employee. Nicosia retires at the end of January after 30 years of employment at OU. He plans to continue to serve as a retiree representative for the fund drive to help encourage other retirees to remember OU.

Didier is equally dedicated to ongoing support of the university.

“I am strongly committed to helping to raise funds to help the university and the library achieve their visions for the future, and contributions to the AUFD are an essential component of that support,” she said. “I feel it is imperative that we as faculty and staff show our support for the institution, even as we ask others to join with us and support our efforts.”

Employees who have not yet given to the fund drive are encouraged to send their donation to the Office of Annual Giving, John Dodge House. The presidential matching period has ended, but contributions are gladly accepted throughout the year.