New funds to benefit UMUC students

UMUC employees are asked to consider contributing to funds in this year's Faculty-Staff Campaign that bolster the University and our students. In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America, two areas, now considered of utmost importance, invite your support:

Fire Science. A Fund for Excellence has been established to benefit the University's bachelor's degree and certificate programs in fire science. Recent events have driven home how crucial it is for every community across the country to be supported by highly trained firefighters. Our program is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Fire Academy, and is endorsed by the National Volunteer Fire Council. Career and volunteer firefighters nationwide are enrolled in UMUC programs; hundreds of communities are benefiting from the enhancement of fire and emergency services. For example, these important services must now include counter-terrorism and homeland security, including decontamination and testing for all real and perceived threats to the health and well being of our citizens.

Military. A Military Scholarship Fund has been established for UMUC students who serve in the military. The new fund supports the very core of our mission. This fall, more than 13,000 military students are enrolled overseas alone. Nine out of 10 of those students require supplemental support for tuition or books and this scholarship fund will help to answer that need.

A kickoff celebration for this year's combined UMUC Faculty/Staff Campaign and the Maryland Charities Campaign will be held at the University's Inn & Conference Center Wed., Oct. 24. Employees may make contributions through Nov. 14.

For more information, please call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 240-684-5100.