Whatās green, clocks in at 18-kg and is highly coveted amongst pilipiliĀž» deans?
Surprisingly, itās an unnamed ceramic turtle ā and heās up for grabs yet again this year.
The turtle, otherwise known as the United Way turtle trophy, is part of the United Way Deanās Challenge and is awarded to the faculty that raises the most money during the campaign āblitzā period. The winner is determined based on a mathematical formula that calculates participation rate: the number of donors within a department (relative to the number of employees within said department) as well as portion rate: how much of the overall university donations can be attributed to the department. Ā
Taking on Dentistry dominance
For three out of the past four years, the turtle has called the Faculty of Dentistry home. In fact, carting around the prize has become so familiar to Dean Tom Boran that he purchased a carrying case ā complete with wheels ā for easy turtle-transport around campus.
So whatās the key to the Faculty of Dentistryās pilipiliĀž»? Dean Boran chalks it up to an overwhelming desire on the part of his faculty to support the community, involving as many staff members and students as possible, and a truly amazing organizing committee.
āAt this point, the turtle is considered part of our faculty family,ā says Boran.
Ready for a showdown
So do any other faculties stand a chance? Head librarian Donna Bourne-Tyson seems to think so.
āNow that weāve for their guard down [Faculty of Dentistry], itās going to be easy for us to turn the page and return the turtle to the Libraries,ā explains Bourne-Tyson. āItās something thatās long overdue.ā
The team at Dal Libraries last laid claim to the honour of turtle touters in 2009.
āEveryone in the Dal Libraries is very involved in the community,ā says Bourne-Tyson. āThe United Way is recognized as a great institution which helps people to help themselves ā something we do at the Libraries every day.ā
While the Dalhousie United Way campaign blitz comes to a close Friday, October 26, staff and faculty members are still able to donate, and help move Dalhousie closer to its fundraising goal of $200,000. Donations can be made by and submitting to Financial Services in the Henry Hicks building, or through the .Ģż