On September 15, Fanshawe had a brand-new president — for 24 hours.

Rubelyn Ubando works as part of the support staff at Fanshawe's language and liberal studies school. On September 15, she received a pretty impressive promotion: president of Fanshawe College.

Ubando was the winner of a draw during last year's United Way campaign. "You could put (your raffle ticket) in different boxes for what you wanted to win. I decided I wanted to take on being president for a day, so I put a ticket in (that box) and here I am!"

Last year was a lucky one for Ubando, who also won a date night that included a limo ride and dinner at Saffron's for two couples. "That was amazing!" she remembered.

By early morning on September 15, Ubando had the whole prez thing down, delegating duties and passing on facilitations for Dr. Howard Rundle — Fanshawe's fulltime president — to handle at the college council meeting.

She said she was happy to be "meeting all those new people, hearing about the news that different departments and services areas have, knowing that we have a record post-secondary international registration this year. That was really great to hear."

Ubando didn't make any big changes to the school. "I (did not) make any decisions," she laughed. "I (made) recommendations. It's only for a day, so really I would have to know the background information on anything I would deal with." During her day as head honcho of the college, she attended some presentations, helped plan next year's president's staff meeting and worked on United Way's leadership campaign.

Ubando especially enjoyed Rundle's swanky washroom, which includes a shower — her favourite part of the day. "If I had known that, I wouldn't have washed my hair!" she joked.

Ubando also currently works as Fanshawe College's United Way sponsored employee. "I'll be working closely with the campaign around the city. I'm not just dealing with Fanshawe College's campaign, I'm also dealing with different areas."

She and her fellow United Way campaigners have their work cut out for them this year. They are aiming to raise $8 million in the London and Middlesex area. "I'm very, very confident that Fanshawe will contribute to that," she said.

"That $8 million will be going back to our community . . . numerous agencies that help with poverty, beginnings and transitions … and mental health."

Ubando loves working as United Way's sponsored employee, a position that lasts from August 23 to December 17. "It's only four months, but at the same time, four months of my work will contribute to a lifetime of change."

Fanshawe's United Way campaign kicks off with a chili cookoff on October 14 in the Colvin Atrium in B building. For $3, you can taste some of the best chili in the region, and watch as the judges — chili champ Mike Callaghan, 'A' News host Janice Zolf, Howard Rundle, FSU President Joe Scalia and United Way CEO Andrew Leckie — determine the winner.

The campaign continues on November 4 with a stairclimb to the top of One London Place.

Then, on November 26, the Regifting Sale takes place in F building. Show support to United Way by donating items in good condition. A raffle will also be taking place at this event, so you too have a shot at being Fanshawe's prez for a day.

Click the United Way button on the myFanshawe portal for a calendar of events, links to the United Way website and video testimonials from staff and students who use or volunteer with the United Way.