Deb Dayus is proud of her work as a volunteer canvasser for the Annual Giving Program.

“The campaign most certainly has a clear and positive impact on the work we do, in the lives of our students, and the University of Windsor community as  whole,” the nursing professor told colleagues gathered Wednesday on the lawn outside Memorial Hall.

A lunch reception launched the 2012 campaign, which invites support from University employees for student scholarships, campus improvements, teaching and research programs.

“As a donor myself, I have seen the benefits of this campaign,” Dayus said. “We see the payback each and every day as we watch our students.”

Team leaders and canvassers also heard from UWindsor President Alan Wildeman, campaign chair Bruce Tucker, student Osmun Raza and vice-president university advancement Jonathan Braniff.

“I would like to express our gratitude and pride in knowing there is an entire campus community dedicated to UWindsor students,” said Raza. “Thank you for enriching the student experience within and outside the classroom, plus for going the extra mile with your donations.”

Almost one-third of UWindsor faculty and staff give to the University’s fundraising efforts, a rate Dr. Wildeman called “amazing.”

“The successes we have been able to enjoy are the result of your engagement with your colleagues,” he told the canvassers.

Development officer Mona Dosen said last year’s campaign, which saw a garden bed outside the Leddy Library filled with plants symbolizing donors, has been very well-received.

“I wanted to build on this positive momentum with a second phase to the Plant a Seed campaign,” she said, announcing this year’s theme is Plant a Seed: Here We Grow Again.

“This title fits nicely with the many expansion projects transforming our campus,” she said.

Flower beds in the Student Centre Courtyard have been designated for a new design by Facility Services to honour this year’s donors.