The 2005 Cornell University United Way Campaign closes a very successful fund-raising effort with a celebratory luncheon Tuesday, March 7, at noon in the Duffield Hall atrium. Speakers will include President Hunter Rawlings, Cornell United Way cabinet members and representatives from area businesses.

With some final results still to be tallied, the Cornell campaign reached $673,232 by mid-February, exceeding its goal of $627,000.

"For the last two years I've had the great pleasure to serve as the Cornell United Way Campaign chair," said Charles Walcott, dean of the faculty, who is handing over the 2006 campaign chair to Sarah Thomas, the Carl A. Kroch University Librarian. "As my leadership of the Cornell United Way efforts draws to an end, let me commend this community for its big heart and say, 'Thank you, thank you, good folks of Cornell.'"

The luncheon ceremonies will include the presentation of honorary plaques to three Cornell units that posted the largest percentage year-to-year increase in participation, based on staff, during the latest campaign. The winning units will hold the plaques for one year.

Also, nine units that had pledge participation rates at or above the target 20 percent will receive certificates of appreciation. These units are: Division of University Communications; Division of Government Relations; the Graduate School; Office of Human Resources; School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions; Division of Financial Affairs; College of Human Ecology; Cornell Library; and Division of Alumni Affairs and Development.