Yale School of Medicine Dean Robert Alpern and University Provost Peter Salovey will lead as co-chairs for the University’s 2012-2013 United Way Campaign. The Campaign, Give Every Child a Chance, kicked off with a series of events this month. (See photos here.)

Every year volunteers from across Yale’s campuses join together to serve as champions, or campaign representatives, for their departments. Champions serve as a contact person for United Way and encourage their colleagues to participate in the Campaign by spreading messages about our work and the impact of their investment.

Last Wednesday leaders and champions from the University filled Beinecke Library for a reception hosted by our co-chairs and Vice President Linda Lorimer. Guests enjoyed an a cappella performance from the student group Something Extra and celebrated the continued tradition of Yale’s commitment to Greater New Haven.

United Way also spent last Saturday morning at the Yale Bowl for Employee Day 2012. Hosted by the Yale Human Resources and Athletics departments, the event featured a food tent, visits from the Yale Band & Boola the mascot, and raffles from affinity groups. We enjoyed meeting faculty and staff on such a beautiful fall day.

The University has consistently been a generous partner to United Way. Thanks to the efforts of the 2011-2012 co-chairs, Yale College Dean Mary Miller and School of Medicine Deputy Dean Cynthia Walker, last year’s Campaign raised over $1,150,000 for United Way of Greater New Haven – a record-breaking sum.

Both Dr. Alpern and Provost Salovey bring extraordinary commitment to United Way’s goals of strengthening our community by improving our schools, creating opportunities for job growth, and helping people stay healthy. We look forward to another successful campaign!