Contributing to United Way Proves Just the Ticket for English
Professor

Professor of English Frances Ferguson taught in California at
Berkeley before arriving at Hopkins. Now she has an opportunity
to fly back to the San Francisco Bay Area for free, or anywhere
else in the continental United States, thanks to a complimentary
USAir airline ticket she won in the first of three United Way
lotteries held last week.
    "I have no idea where I'm going to go," said Dr. Ferguson,
who teaches 18th Century and Romantic Literature and a course on
the History of Aesthetics. "At this time, I have no plans."
    Dr. Ferguson has contributed annually to the United Way
since she started at Hopkins in 1988. "I think the United Way is
a good organization," she said. "It screens its member charities
carefully to make sure the money is being used efficiently and
effectively." 
    The limited round-trip domestic airline ticket was one of
six prizes awarded in the first of this year's lotteries. Second
prize, a night for two and breakfast at the Admiral Fell Inn, was
won by David Samuel Zee at the School of Medicine; third prize, a
night for two at the Harbor Court Hotel, went to Mary J.
Rodriguez of Central Purchasing, Homewood; fourth prize, a set of
two tickets to three upcoming Hopkins Special Events, went to
Michael J. Keevican at the School of Medicine; fifth prize, the
book Maryland Exposures 1840-1940 from the University Press, went
to Sharon McBride at Homewood Human Services; sixth prize, the
use of a Carey Limousine for three hours, went to Edward G.
McFarland at the School of Medicine.
    All three United Way lotteries are open to university
employees who pledge $35 or more to the Hopkins campaign. The two
remaining drawings_to be held Nov. 7 and Nov. 21_will offer
prizes including a Harbor Cruise for two, tickets to the
symphony, to Toby's Dinner Theater and to Towsontown Musical
Dinner Theater, dinner and overnight accommodations at the
Stouffer Harbor Place Hotel, a stay at the Cross Keys Inn and
other gifts. Faculty and staff must return their pledge cards by
Nov. 4 to be eligible for the two remaining drawings. Winners
will be notified by the Lottery Committee.
    All of the lottery prizes were donated by suppliers to
encourage early participation in the campaign. 
    "I think one of the best things is that it's a tremendously
convenient way to give," Dr. Ferguson said. "Having the money
deducted directly from your paycheck means never having to worry
about complicated tax returns or writing checks."
    Dr. Ferguson said this is the first time she has won a
lottery. "I was amazed when they called and told me of my good
fortune," she said.