United Way recognizes RIT’s ‘unstoppable’ generosity

The United Way of Greater Rochester has honored RIT with the “Unstoppable Award” for continuing to raise critical funds despite shutting down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual campaign kicked off on March 5 with a prize auction, donor agency fair, and CHAIRity auction, but shortly afterwards, the campus shifted to remote operations. The campaign was extended into mid-April, and some 930 faculty, staff, retirees, students, and members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute contributed more than $310,000 through individual donations and events such as Mud Tug, Winter Warrior, and the United Way golf tournament.

“This recognition by United Way should remind all our volunteers and donors of their amazing generosity in the midst of so much disruption,” said Heather Eaggleston, chairperson of the RIT campaign and director of Government Relations at NTID. “There is much more we need to do for our community, but if we can make a difference like this in the middle of a pandemic, we are truly unstoppable.”

The United Way committee leadership also includes Lynn Rowoth, campaign coordinator, and assistant vice president, RIT Government and Community Relations; Nicole Prahler, associate director, conference and special events, RIT Government and Community Relations; and Victor Santiago, vice chair, and associate director, RIT Alumni and Constituent Engagement.