Dear Colleagues,

As the chief information office for UTC, no one is more aware of the
truly wonderful things that happen every day on this campus than I
am.  And while the last thing any of you want to see is me in a tight
sweater and short skirt, I am extremely proud to be an official
cheerleader for you and your efforts on behalf of our students and
the people of Tennessee.

I know that each and every one of you have a million things to do,
but I am going to ask you to do one more.  I have the honor of
serving as chair of the 2003 Faculty and Staff Campaign, which kicks
off today and continues until May 1.  I hope that when you receive
your pledge card, you will participate in the campaign at whatever
level you feel is comfortable.

Through your efforts to offer the best education, the highest level
of student support, and the top in service, you give more to this
campus than you can imagine. The truth is, however, that state
funding for our mission is shrinking, and we can not place the entire
burden of resources on our students.  With the University of
Chattanooga Foundation, the Lupton Renaissance Fund, and countless
other donors, our campus is blessed with tremendous private support,
and that private support is more critical than ever.

Our Development Staff members assure me that one of the strongest
selling points they have is the level of UTC faculty and staff who
participate in the campus campaign.  And it just makes sense.  Who is
in a better position to evaluate whether our campus deserves outside
support than those of us on the inside?  When donors see that we
believe in our campus enough to give back to it, then they are more
motivated to support our mission.

So, please participate in the campaign.  The Payroll Deduction
Program makes it easy to give, and as little as $8.34 a month totals
$100 donated over the course of the year.  Of course, if you can give
more or less, gifts of any size are appreciated and much needed. You
can even on line by using the "Ways to Give" button at
http://www.utc.edu/~develop/.

With many department budgets facing cuts next year, this would be the
perfect time to designate your gift to support your department.
Scholarships, professorships, athletics, the Lupton Library, WUTC,
and unrestricted gifts are also areas to consider.

Special thanks goes to Bill Williams, Mal Long, Susan Taylor, Linda
Hobart, Tom Patty, Jackie Tate, Kim Bonadventure, Connie Ratchford,
Sue Carroll, Arma Broomfield, Mary Scott, Cindy Ashley, Peggy Tucker,
April Anderson, Joan Dunn, Terry Zimmer, Brandon Ponder, Teresa
McKinney, Bill Prince, Michelle Walters,  Kathy Fox, Beth Dodd,
Hellenna Terrell, and Stephen Hood for serving as captains of this
year's campaign.  They should be distributing pledge cards to faculty
and staff members in their designated areas within the next few days.
If you do not receive your card, please contact me and I will get one
to you.

I appreciate your consideration of this request and I know that
together we can make this year's campaign a great success.

Chuck.