Elwyn Lee, vice president for student affairs, congratulates staff members Barbara Newsome (left) and Kim Tran for winning SECC raffles. Photo by Thomas Shea

The University of Houston community once again contributed generously to the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC), giving $97,126.

Although the total amount raised was slightly lower than last year’s $100,531, more people donated to SECC, said Elwyn Lee, vice president for student affairs and SECC steering committee chairman.

More than 450 faculty and staff, about 10 percent of the workforce, participated in SECC compared to 441 employees from a year ago, Lee said.

“The campaign was launched around the holidays,” he said. “It’s a very tough time to raise funds during that time, but the steering committee is very proud of the contributions we received. We applaud all of those who gave.”

Topping the list of colleges and divisions with the highest participation rate is the Office of the President, with 53 percent, followed by the Division of Student Affairs, Lee said. Nearly 40 percent of the division’s staff donated to SECC. The Division of University Advancement had the third-greatest participation rate with 28 percent.

“I really enjoyed chairing the steering committee, and I believe in what we are doing,” Lee said. “The university receives many private donations from people who recognize the contributions the institution makes to the city. Faculty and staff understand that it is right for us to give back to the community that supports what we do.”

Lee also commended UH SECC Committee members Valerie Coleman-Ferguson, David Bell, Gregory Holland, John Powell and Luz Guerra.

A workplace charity campaign, SECC provides state employees with a convenient and efficient way to make voluntary, tax-deductible contributions to 300 local and state charities.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu