United Way Campaign
Donate. Participate. Change a Life.
As one of Rochester’s major employers, RIT takes great pride in our community involvement, and in particular, in our award-winning employee workplace campaign.
For more than two decades, RIT constituents have shown their compassion and supported those less fortunate in the community by giving generously through our United Way Campaign, raising over $1 Million in 5 years.
On behalf of the nearly 300 campaign volunteers, thank you to everyone who supported the 2025 effort through gifts and through attendance at our special events. Together we can be proud that we rallied to support our Rochester community!
Dr. Bill Sanders
President
Hello Tigers,
Our Rochester community—and across the Finger Lakes region—continue to face complex challenges. What history has shown us, time and again, is that progress happens when we come together. United is the way we make a difference.
This year, Emily and I invite you to join us in supporting RIT’s 2026 United Way Campaign, which reflects both our generosity and our willingness to show up for one another. Our goal is to raise $225,000 in support of the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, strengthening a network of local organizations that help families find stability, empower young people, and respond to neighbors in crisis.
New this year, we are also setting a participation goal: 300 volunteers. Because impact isn’t measured by dollars alone.
Whether you make a financial gift, volunteer your time, attend an event like the Day of Caring, or lend your voice through advocacy—every action matters. Every hour volunteered and every moment of engagement helps build a stronger, more connected community. United is the way we impact.
United Way’s work reminds us that real challenges don’t fit into neat boxes. Families often need multiple supports at once—housing, food, childcare, job training—and United Way helps ensure help reaches those who need it, when they need it. When we stand together, we don’t just respond to today’s needs—we help create lasting opportunity for tomorrow.
At RIT, we pride ourselves on being a community that leads with purpose. When Tigers unite around a shared cause, our collective impact is powerful. United is the way we thrive. United is the way we change lives.
I encourage you to take part in this year’s campaign in whatever way is meaningful to you. Together, let’s continue our proud tradition of service, generosity, and community engagement—and show that at RIT, United is the way.
With gratitude and Tiger pride,
Bill Sanders
President, RIT
Impact Stories
It’s difficult for a college dad who is working reduced hours and going to school full time to help make ends meet,” said Gates, who completed his first year in the criminal justice program. “To get some of that burden lifted by Margaret’s House has pushed us to achieve even more in our lives.
He would have killed me if I hadn’t left,” said RIT’s assistant dean of graduate student success. “When you leave your spouse, you feel humiliated, broken and worried that people will judge you—and sometimes they do.
Paige is a very interesting person—a bright young lady with a future yet to be discovered.
He calls me his ‘new mom’ and I call him my ‘new son,’” said Chapman DaCosta. “All of us have special roles in life, and Kenyatta has not forgotten that for a minute.
I was completely unprepared for my daughter’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis,” said Christine Kray, associate professor of anthropology at RIT’s College of Liberal Arts. “Margaret’s House Child Care Center at RIT was key; they immediately arranged for child development evaluation from Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, and the early intervention therapies made a tremendous difference in Annalea’s development.
He wants to be like everyone else, but sometimes needs a little extra support,” said his stepmother Cha Ron Sattler-Leblanc, senior director of RIT’s Academic Success Center. “There are a lot of miracles out there, and we found one.
Ways to Participate
Bid on one-of-a-kind collectible chairs designed by RIT "artists". The funds raised from the individual chairs will be donated to the local United Way agency selected by the artist.
Read More about the CHAIRity Auction
RIT is proud to have participated in the Day of Caring for many years and is looking forward to doing so again this year. The Day of Caring is a day-long event that offers thousands of people an opportunity to contribute to our community by volunteering at area health and human service agencies.
Please join us at Shadow Lake Golf Club for the Annual RIT United Way Golf Tournament. Gather a foursome to help benefitting the community of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. Date for the 2026 Golf Tournament will be announced soon.
Please join us on Wednesday, March 4th to kick off the 2026 campaign! Check back for additional information for time, location and how you can participate!
Reasons to Give
Dr. David C. Munson Jr.
President
Hello Tiger Changemakers,
Our local community is faced with complex challenges. But I believe we are Better United when we organize as one. We can change many lives in our community by uniting as Tigers Together.
Nancy and I want you to join us in providing your active support for RIT's 2025 United Way fundraising campaign.
Each year our commitment to the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes presents us with the opportunity to directly help our friends and neighbors persevere through a range of difficulties and challenges.
Your consistent support has been the mainstay of United Way. Our local organizations are the fabric of our community. They are united in their commitment and determination to help those in crisis. And right now, they need your support-support that will help them serve the families and individuals in our community who continue to lean on these organizations for assistance, relief, and hope.
This year, I'm asking for your continued generosity in rallying around the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. We have set an RIT goal of raising $225,000.
Nancy and I feel it's essential to make a charitable investment in assisting our neighbors, friends, and family members who need our help. So, won't you please join us in supporting the United Way? We thank you in advance for your generosity. And we thank you for all your participation in past campaigns. Let's continue our tradition and turn our passion for the community into compassion for those in need.
Yours in Tiger pride,
David Munson
President
Why I Give 1
Twyla Cummings
Dean and Professor
Graduate Education
I have a responsibility to give back to those less fortunate than myself, whether it be expertise, knowledge, or money. Making contributions to the YWCA of Rochester and PathStone through United Way allows me to help women and children gain self-sufficiency, independence, and a positive future. It is truly a great feeling to know that I am able to do something, no matter how small, to help make someone else’s life just a little bit better.
Maria Ocasio
NTID Employee Administrator
Office of the President
I truly believe that every little bit helps, and if we stand ‘United’ we can make this world a better place! Give comfort to those who need it during hard times. We all have struggles in life. It’s okay to ask for help, and the United Way can be there to help individuals start in the right direction.
Howard Ward
RIT Retiree
Student Auxiliary Services
I happily give my resources to the United Way because as a young man growing up in rural Orleans County, I personally witnessed the services provided that benefited many in our community. I also consider the United Way as a much-needed investment in our diverse community because at any given time either you or I may need assistance and care from this compassionate organization.
Why I Give
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Twyla Cummings
Dean and Professor (Retired)
Graduate EducationI have a responsibility to give back to those less fortunate than myself, whether it be expertise, knowledge, or money. Making contributions to the YWCA of Rochester and PathStone through United Way allows me to help women and children gain self-sufficiency, independence, and a positive future. It is truly a great feeling to know that I am able to do something, no matter how small, to help make someone else’s life just a little bit better.
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Maria Ocasio
NTID Employee Administrator
Office of the PresidentI truly believe that every little bit helps, and if we stand ‘United’ we can make this world a better place! Give comfort to those who need it during hard times. We all have struggles in life. It’s okay to ask for help, and the United Way can be there to help individuals start in the right direction.
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Howard Ward
RIT Retiree
Student Auxiliary ServicesI happily give my resources to the United Way because as a young man growing up in rural Orleans County, I personally witnessed the services provided that benefited many in our community. I also consider the United Way as a much-needed investment in our diverse community because at any given time either you or I may need assistance and care from this compassionate organization.
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Victor Santiago
Associate Director
University AdvancementI give to the United Way because I have seen first-hand the impact they make in many organizations here in Rochester. Being an employee of the Arc of Monroe and a volunteer for the Out Alliance, I saw what a difference the United Way made on the organizations and the people they serve. I became an Emerging Leader to encourage others my age to consider making a difference in the Rochester community through philanthropy.
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Lynn Rowoth
RIT Retiree
Government and Community RelationsMy family and I have benefitted from the services of two donor designated organizations under the “umbrella” of agencies through the United Way. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester provided support as well as important information to us during challenging times, for which we are most grateful. The payroll deduction option makes it so easy and manageable to make our gift in increments throughout the year.
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Shane Durgee
Gallery Coordinator
College of Art and DesignMy community has many needs, and it is often difficult to know where my small donation will have the greatest impact. I am happy to know that The United Way will make sure my money goes to the organizations that need it most.
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Nicole Prahler
Associate Director
Government and Community RelationsI give to the United Way due to the ease of giving through payroll deduction. Spreading my gift throughout the year allows me to give at higher levels and provide a more impactful donation. The ability to direct my donation to agencies I value like Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the Veterans Outreach Center allow me to focus my gift towards causes that are near and dear to my heart.
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William St. Jean
Associate Director
Student AffairsThe United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes supports so many organizations in the area that directly impact our community on campus and throughout the region. I am passionate about food security and community development and appreciate being able to designate my gifts to organizations that align their mission with the areas I advocate for and support.