UTMB SECC 2026 State Employee Charitable Campaign

Our 2026 campaign chair, Craig Kovacevich, shares his thoughts about how charitable giving can bring a sense of purpose and connection to our lives. His role as vice president of Strategic Community Impact often has him working among our communities, where he sees first hand the needs that exist. The connections we create by helping others are an important part of living well, and SECC offers a wide range of charitable causes and an easy way to provide support.

Last year, we had an opportunity to speak with Lindsey White, the executive director of United Way of Galveston, which helps coordinate the region’s state employee campaigns. In a brief video, she explained United Way’s role, touched upon the tremendous need that exists, and emphasized the importance of UTMB’s contributions large and small. “Listen to your heart,” she advises.   

Dear Colleagues,

Every day, the people of The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) improve lives through patient care, education, research, and innovation. Whether you're working directly with patients, supporting our students, advancing discoveries, or helping our operations run smoothly, your work makes a meaningful difference.

It’s time to kick-off the 2026 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) at UTMB. SECC provides employees at state agencies and public universities across Texas a simple way to support select charitable organizations through payroll deduction or a one-time gift.

This year, I’m honored to serve as chair of the campaign for UTMB. Through my work with community partners across our region, I've seen firsthand how these charitable organizations help people overcome challenges, improve their well-being, and build stronger futures.

This year's theme, Healthy Living, Healthy Giving, recognizes that generosity can support our own well-being while improving the lives of others. Volunteering, sharing our time and talents, and supporting charitable causes can strengthen our sense of purpose and connection, both important to living well and aging well.

One of the great benefits of the SECC is the wide variety of charities and causes represented—there’s something for everyone. They range from large and well-known national and international groups to small local organizations and community-funded initiatives, like the UTMB Good Neighbor Program that supports financially challenged patients meet special health- or recovery-related needs on their path to healing. This program proves that small gifts can collectively make a big difference.

From October 23 through November 23, I invite you to to explore participating charities, learn about giving options, and make your pledge. Thank you for considering a contribution and for the many ways you serve others every day. Together, we can help make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Texas.

Sincerely,

Craig Kovacevich, MA
Vice President of Strategic Community Impact
2026 UTMB SECC Campaign Chair

Thank you to almost 600 generous employees who helped us raise more than $232,000 for the 2025 State Employee Charitable Campaign. The UTMB community is consistently a leader in giving among state agencies and universities, reflecting the incredible generosity of our faculty, staff and students. The dollars raised last year support hundreds of charities and causes in our local communities, across the region and around the world.

UTMB Health's SECC 2026 will be launching in late October and supported once again by the UTMB Employee Advisory Council; please watch for details.