A&M International Top Regional Contributor to State Employee Charitable Campaign

In one year, Texas A&M International University increased charitable giving to the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) by a remarkable 53 per cent, thus becoming the number one contributor in the region.

The donations equaled nearly $19,000 with 40% participation, said University President Dr. Charles Jennett.

Speaking at a recent reception to announce the accomplishment, Dr. Jennett said that this exceptional achievement demonstrates the University's commitment to the community and improving the region.

"Partnerships with the communities that so graciously support us are two-way, with the University and its growing family also routinely giving back to the communities that we all proudly call home for ourselves and our families," he said.

Jennett challenged the University community to increase participation by 10 per cent, raising the level from 40 to 50 percent next year. The campaign will begin again in August.

In 1994, legislation made it possible to conduct the SECC, offering Texas state employees greater giving options with hundreds of charitable choices. Some local charities include United Way of Laredo, Laredo-Webb County Food Bank, and Sacred Heart Children's Home.

Statewide charity groups include Community Health Agencies of Texas (charities such as American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association) and Earth Share of Texas (distributing funds to such organizations as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Audubon Foundation of Texas and the Center for Marine Conservation).

Employees can make voluntary, tax-deductible contributions to these charities through payroll deduction, cash, check or bank draft.

For further information, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 956.326.2365, visit offices in Killam Library 255, or visit the University website, www.tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu