UA SPIRIT Campaign Swipe Week Begins Sept. 15

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama SGA Student SPIRIT Campaign will hold its first 2008 “Swipe Week” Sept. 15-19 giving University of Alabama students a chance to show their school spirit by swiping their ACTion cards to make small contributions to a UA scholarship fund for first-in-family college students.

Tables accepting donations will be set up in the Ferguson Center, the Recreation Center and Gorgas Library. The Ferguson table will accept donations from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Recreation Center table from 4-6:30 p.m., and the Gorgas Library location from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day. This will be the first of three “Swipe Weeks” for the campaign that asks students to donate $5 or less to the University.

UA recognizes that many students make sacrifices to pay tuition and living expenses, and the SPIRIT Campaign is not intended to add to that financial burden. “This campaign is an initiative through which University of Alabama students support their peers. Our goal is 100 percent student participation,” said Mary Lawhorn, coordinator of annual giving.

Last year’s campaign raised $13,000 providing scholarships for four students who were the first in their families to attend college. The campaign name – SPIRIT – was chosen by student organizers and stands for “Students Playing Important Roles in Tradition.” This year’s campaign began Aug. 27 and will run until Dec. 31.

Contributing to the SPIRIT campaign is easy for students. Students can swipe their Action Card (Bama Cash or Dining Dollars) at any official SPIRIT station set up at various locations across campus. Or, they can make a secure credit card donation at www.spirit.ua.edu. Cash and checks will also be accepted. Checks may be mailed to the SPIRIT Campaign, Box 870122, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

For more information, contact Mary Lawhorn at 205/348-8321 or mlawhorn@advance.ua.edu.