Throughout the year, staff and faculty of The University of Texas at Arlington give generously of their time and talents not only to our students but also to causes within our community and around the world. Local food banks, public parks, and schools, as well as nonprofit, faith-based, and cultural organizations all benefit from our Maverick spirit and commitment. Through our deeds, large and small, we are committed to building healthy communities, broadening educational opportunities, addressing critical social issues, and enriching the quality of life for generations beyond our own.

Each year, the annual State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) provides a means for UT Arlington to help others in the community. Our SECC contributions, no matter the dollar amount, can and do make a difference. The SECC provides a wide variety of charities and causes for you to choose from, ranging from local organizations to national and international groups. The unique structure of the SECC campaign—which provides both state and local employee governance and oversight—gives donors confidence in both the charities that benefit and the distribution of their contributions.

At UT Arlington, the 2014 State Employee Charitable Campaign will run October 1-31. Our goal this year is $80,000. With your gift and mine, I know we not only can meet our goal but exceed it.

In the next few days, you will receive a pledge form and a comprehensive listing of agencies and organizations to which you may designate your gift. Simply fill out that form and return it to your SECC representative. You also may pledge online at www.dfwmetroplexsecc.org by clicking “Pledge Online,” then select “University of Texas Arlington,” register, and create your pledge.

Whether you make a one-time gift or pledge monthly, you can ensure that the organizations you care about receive the funding they need. You’re invited to learn more about the many opportunities provided by the campaign at the UT Arlington SECC Charity Fair on October 16 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Bluebonnet Ballroom South of the E.H. Hereford University Center. For additional information, contact either your SECC representative or Chris Muller in Campus Recreation at cmuller@uta.edu.

I hope you will join Lisa and me in choosing to give during the SECC campaign. Our contributions will help improve the quality of life for people in communities locally, across the country, and around the world.