During Tuesday’s kick off of UNC Charlotte’s State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC), University leaders acknowledged the economic circumstances confronting faculty and staff members. At the same time, they lauded employees’ history of giving to the community, not only through monetary donations but of time as volunteers.

When it comes to charitable causes, we have a history of rising to the occasion, noted Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. As examples, he pointed to last year’s SECC effort that generated an 8 percent increase over the previous year; the Arts and Science Council campaign, led by Ken Lambla, dean of the College of Arts + Architecture, that raised more than $52,000; the University’s adoption of James Martin Middle School; and the recent second annual 4.NINERK that raised funds for need-based scholarships.

“I think this year will be a challenge, but we are up to the challenge,” Dubois stated. “Employees can designate contributions to hundreds of SECC organizations that are near to their heart. They also can take advantage of their 24 hours of annual community service leave to volunteer with an organization.”

David McIntosh, 2010 chair of the University’s SECC effort and a member of the Information Technology Services Department, discussed his and his wife’s volunteer efforts in the community.  A father of two, McIntosh said he tries to balance family and community.

“It’s a lesson my children teach me every day. They approach me with fun ideas. ‘Daddy, can you coach my soccer team?’ or ‘Mommy, can you host my girl scout troop?’ said McIntosh. “We are helping other kids, parents and people we don’t know. The SECC is called a combined campaign for a reason. My dollars combined with your dollars pave the way for these organizations to make a difference in the lives of others or even yours. It’s a way for us to make a meaningful contribution to our community.”

As part of the kick-off event, representatives from almost 20 agencies that are designees of the SECC were on hand to discuss their organizations, including Freedom School Partners. Sherell Fuller, a clinical assistant professor in reading and elementary education, spoke about her involvement with Freedom School.

Fuller, who has volunteered with the organization for almost seven years, noted that this year the College of Education leadership team brought the Freedom School onto the UNC Charlotte campus.

A literacy program, Freedom Schools seeks to instill a love of reading among children, explained Fuller. During the summer, UNC Charlotte hosted 50 elementary and middle school students for a six-week period.

“UNC Charlotte is one of a few public universities that has a Freedom School program,” Fuller noted. By the end of the six-week period, Fuller said she noticed growth in the children’s interest in reading and career aspirations. “By introducing terms like bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate, we are having an impact. That’s what I know we as a campus community want to do…. One of the mottos of the Freedom Schools is ‘I can, I will make a difference.’ I think we all can say that by supporting the SECC.”

According to officials, the University’s SECC fund-raising campaign is a two-week effort. Monday, Nov. 1, has been designated Claim Staker Day. All University employees who designate a donation to the SECC will be eligible for a drawing featuring a number of prizes, including gift cards to Starbucks and for gas, UNC Charlotte football merchandise and other University-branded give-a-ways. To make a pledge or donation to the SECC, go to the website http://secc.uncc.edu/.

Photos: David McIntosh, 2010 chair of the University's SECC, talks about volunteering as Chancellor Dubois looks on (top). Education professor Sherell Fuller talks about the Freedom School.