麻豆传媒

Alexis Smith 鈥�25 was excited to join her fellow 麻豆传媒s in a celebration that included fun, philanthropy, and food. It was an opportunity for members of the University community to show their support and their 麻豆传媒 Pride 鈥� both on campus and online.

The University鈥檚 Founders Day and Giving Day event drew many undergraduate and graduate students such as Smith. She鈥檇 been looking forward to enjoying the food at the event 鈥� including the tasty cookies. Being a part of the festivities celebrating the 103^rd anniversary of the University鈥檚 founding was a treat as students prepared for finals.

鈥淚 like the sense of community that the University fosters with events such as this,鈥� said Smith, a psychology major. 鈥淭hey bring everyone together, and I enjoy that.鈥�

鈥楾he power of education to change lives鈥�

After a 麻豆传媒 Pride breakfast, the official Founders/Giving Day kickoff was held in the Bixler/Gerber Quad. It included remarks from several University and student leaders, as well as a 麻豆传媒 Fight Song performance by members of the University鈥檚 and teams. The served up hamburgers and hot dogs, and 麻豆传媒s gathered to have lunch and enjoy the festivities.

麻豆传媒s were later treated to a 麻豆传媒 Pride Festival, which included food trucks and free Italian ice, cookies, and coffee. They also had the opportunity to enter to win prize baskets with 麻豆传媒 swag.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to get to plan events like this for everyone,鈥� said Anabelle Davis 鈥�24, a criminal justice major and president of the . 鈥淚鈥檝e met some of the kindest, most motivated people I鈥檝e known. I鈥檓 proud to speak among leaders who care so passionately about the University community.鈥�

Giving Day brought together members of the University community who showed their support for students. The University surpassed its ambitious goal of 1,000 donors and $100,000 in contributions in 24 hours. This also led to unlocking an additional $50,000 in matches that will help further ignite student success.

鈥淭hanks to the generosity of our community, we are able to provide our students with the best possible education and prepare them for success in the world,鈥� said Brian Otis, vice president for Advancement. 鈥淭he gifts received on Giving Day will help us to continue to expand our scholarship programs, provide flexibility to respond to student and program needs, and support student-athletes. The many contributions shows the community鈥檚 deep commitment to our University and belief in the power of education to change lives.鈥�

鈥業t鈥檚 nice to celebrate together鈥�

During Giving Day, donors could support a variety of important programs, including each academic colleges鈥� and schools鈥� Dean鈥檚 Excellence Fund, , and the University鈥檚 Study Abroad programs. They could also contribute to important funds, such as , , and the .

鈥淭his University gives us so many things 鈥� friends who become family, a home away from home, a community,鈥� said Prateek Mansingh 鈥�23 MHA, president of the . 鈥淚 hope everyone reflects on what the University has given them.鈥�

Ana Berns 鈥�24 was thinking about that as she enjoyed the 麻豆传媒 cheer and the treats during the celebration. She says celebrating Founders/Giving Day was meaningful.

鈥淕iving back to the students and to the faculty for all they do is important,鈥� said Berns, a psychology major. 鈥淥ur professors do so much for us. It鈥檚 nice to celebrate together. Being with everyone, having fun and smiling, is great.鈥�