By Dawn Pauli, contributing writer

This year’s All-University Fund Drive (AUFD) continues through Dec. 22. 

As of Dec. 1, 169 faculty and staff have contributed a total of $65,700, not including the generous match of 50 cents on the dollar by Oakland University President Gary Russi.

To date, faculty and staff donors represent 62 different university departments and their gifts have supported more than 75 funds across campus. Every gift, large and small, will help reach this year’s goal of raising $182,000 for OU programs, the United Way and Black United Fund.

For the fourth year in a row, President Russi will match gifts made to OU. To be eligible for the match, all gifts must reach the Gift Accounting Department at John Dodge House by Wednesday, Dec. 22. President’s Club pledges and naming opportunities to the university are ineligible for the presidential match. The maximum match is $2,500.

Solicitation materials were distributed through campus mail in mid-October. Gifts can be made in the form of check, VISA or MasterCard as well as payroll deduction. The first payroll deduction will occur in January 2005. Faculty and staff can choose payroll deduction for a minimum of one month or spread their gift over 12 months. The minimum payroll deduction is $5 per month.

Ron Cramer and Teresa and George Gamboa have agreed to serve as this year’s fund drive co-chairs. Patrick Nicosia, who retired two years ago as director of budget and financial planning, is leading the retiree solicitation effort.