Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

UTSA screams for ice cream

The State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) annual fundraiser began on Oct. 6 with an Ice Cream Social in the UC Ballroom 2. The SECC is an annual campaign benefitting charities. Last year, SECC had a 78 percent participation rate at UTSA, which was number one in the UT systems. This year, the goal is 91 percent.

“Our goal is to be number one in the state of Texas,” said Kelly Kam-Watson, executive assistant to the vice president for research and one of the tri-chairs of the committee.

In order to reach their new goal, the SECC is targeting facility participation.

President Romo and colleagues sent letters to faculty and staff encouraging their participation. The department with the highest increase in participation will win a lunch and photo opportunity with President Romo.

John Fredrick, vice president for academic affairs, said at the kickoff. “We depend on our community through taxpayer money, student fees, gifts and donations, it’s a small thing to give back.”

Fredrick also explained what is needed to reach the goal of 91 percent. “That means that 10 out of 11 needs to participate,” he said, “How much you give is up to you. We want your participation.”

An example of a department that gives generously is the facilities department, which had a 100 percent staff participation rate in 2008.

“Our staff is the lowest paid in the university,” said Joe Rubio, director of the downtown facilities and tri-chair of the committee, “but they’re the ones who have probably used these agencies some where along their lives, including myself.”

The SECC has also added two new events to its itinerary along with the UTSA’s Got Talent Show; the UTSA’s Got Talent Silent Auction and the SECC Book Sale. Staff at the university are asked to donate homemade items for auction.

The book sale will run October 21-23. “We are asking for anything purchasable, books and DVD’s, and volunteers,” said Barbara Mills, director of the teaching and learning center, and tri-chair of the SECC committee. Donations can be made through drop boxes around campus.

The chairs of the SECC have personal and professional reasons for their involvement. “It’s all about service,” Millis said, “The Teaching and Learning Center is all about service, so this is nothing new for me.”

Kam-Watson also had similar feelings. “Mainly for me, it’s the relationships with the kids,” she said. “I have a two year old who’s a handful, and I can’t imagine what it would be like for those who have a special needs child.”

Anyone who wants to donate or wants more information on the SECC can look up their website at www.utsa.edu/secc.

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