Live United 2010 – meet committee member Deb Thomas

Deb Thomas

Throughout this year’s United Way campaign, UNMC Today will profile members of the medical center’s United Way committee.

Today we feature Deb Thomas, assistant vice chancellor for business and finance, who has chaired the United Way committee for two years.

Why do you participate in the campaign every year?

I was raised by strong tithing parents who believed it a moral duty to give to charity annually.

Participation rankings Below are the campus participation rankings by unit as of Wednesday afternoon: Chancellor’s unit – 49 percent SAHP – 43 percent CON – 33 percent Academic Affairs – 26 percent ITS – 23 percent Business/Finance – 22 percent Research – 20 percent Public Health – 18 percent Munroe-Meyer – 14 percent Eppley – 10 percent Medicine – 8 percent Pharmacy – 6 percent Dentistry – 2 percent

Have you or anyone you know ever benefited from the United Way’s support?

I have known many people who benefited from United Way support as recipients of services from agencies funded by United Way. These services would not have been available or affordable without United Way support and ultimately the support of community members who give to United Way.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work with the campaign?

As with my work at UNMC, I believe that every day we all owe a duty to make someone’s life better. The results of this campaign fulfill a part of that duty.