Despite tough economic times, West Virginia University employees met the challengeand exceeded the goalof this year’s United Way campaign. As of WVU ’s noon wrap-up luncheon Monday (Nov. 10), employees had pledged $209,217.92 for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties.

WVU ’s goal was set at $200,000 when the campaign kicked off Sept. 15.

WVU campaign chair Susan Hardesty said she expected the total to go even higher because pledges are still coming in.

In addition to employee pledges, WVU students raised over $4,500 and plan more United Way fund-raisers during the spring semester. Including the students’efforts, WVU collected well over $213,000.

Hardesty also said she was delighted that WVU had met a secondary goal of encouraging more employee participation. Over 50 more employees contributed this year, and 75 people were first-time contributors to the University campaign. Twenty-eight units reported 100 percent participation rates.

Mrs. Hardesty and WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. presented a special awardthe Shining Star Awardto Physical Plant employee Margie Leech for her unique contribution to this year’s campaign. Leech coordinated the Physical Plant’s fund-raising efforts, which ranged from hot dog sales to 50/50 drawings. At least one event was planned for each week of the campaign.

“The Physical Plant has gone from limited donations last year to over $2,628 this year,”Mrs. Hardesty said.”Margie coordinated all these events around a staff that is separated by both location and work schedules. She sought donations to defray the cost of all activities and spent much of her evening time preparing food or planning each week’s event. She worked incredibly hard coordinating their fund-raising activities.”

In addition to Leech’s award, the Physical Plant received a certificate for the most improved unit.