The College of Pharmacy has met its goal: More than 60 percent of faculty and staff members in the college have financially invested in the University of Iowa so far this fiscal year.

After a two-week campaign, which ended Nov. 1, the percentage of the college’s faculty and staff members who have participated in the giving program has increased from six percent to more than 60 percent.

The campaign was part of the university’s first-ever faculty and staff giving program. It was led internally by Amber Seaton, chief of staff; and Jonathan Doorn, an associate professor in the division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry. The goal was set at 30 percent of faculty and staff participation after week one, and 60 percent after week two.

Incentives for meeting the weekly goal milestones during the program were set. Since the first week's goal of 30 percent participation was met, Dean Letendre will wear a sombrero for a full day. With the overall campaign goal of 60 percent participation also met, the college’s faculty and staff will celebrate with a bowling party in December. 

Program leaders held events to encourage giving. They included “grab and give” meals, “Minute to Win It” challenges, as well as lunches with games and presentations from recipients of philanthropy. The kickoff lunch had a Mexican fiesta theme. There was also a college talent/art event, massages, and a tailgate prizes were raffled off to attendees of various events, including football and basketball tickets, one-week passes for the Dean’s parking space, and We Are Phil USB drives.

The college's generous staff and faculty members have demonstrated – to students, their parents, alumni, friends, other donors, public officials, and others who support Iowa – that they believe wholeheartedly in the UI’s mission and in the power of higher education.

Supporting members of the college committee were Kellie Northup, Nicole Brogden, Vern Duba, Jeanine Abrons, Steve Slezak, and Mundi McCarty.