By Jonah Grinkewitz
Hear from alumni about why they give back to their alma mater, see where donations have shaped the physical makeup of campus and find your reason to give back to 51鱨վ during Philanthropy Week from April 7-11.
Events will lead up to and coincide with from noon on April 10 to noon on April 11 when Monarchs everywhere are encouraged to donate to support student scholarships, academic programs and areas of need at the University.
"This year is truly special for 51鱨վ, as we have more challenges and matching opportunities than ever before — making every gift go even further,” said Harold Williams, Jr. ’07, ’21, director of Annual Giving. “Now is the time to step up, show your Monarch pride, and make a real impact for our students and programs."
Monarch Pantry Monday will kick off the week with student organizations invited to bring items to support the Monarch Pantry — a food pantry available to current 51鱨վ students which is located in the Suffolk Room in Webb Student Center.
On Tuesday evening, a panel of alumni donors will share why they give back to 51鱨վ, how they plan for making contributions and why it is important to support your alma mater. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the President’s Dining Room in Broderick Dining Commons and will include a dinner afterward where students can connect with alumni.
To show how philanthropy has shaped 51鱨վ’s campus, signage will be placed on Wednesday at buildings and other landmarks that were made possible by donors. This will also be “Thank-A-Giver Day” where students will have opportunities to take pictures or videos to show their gratitude to Give251鱨վ Day donors.
The “Grateful Monarch Kick Off” from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday will mark the official start of Give251鱨վ Day. Students will check in to the event and receive “passports” that they will add to as they visit tables representing the Office of Alumni, the 51鱨վ Athletic Foundation and other campus groups to learn how donors impact their work and how they can contribute after graduation. The first 200 students to visit each table and write a thank-you note to donors will receive a “Tank for Thanks.”
This event will also launch a fundraiser for the Concordia scholarship — a scholarship for students funded by students. Students are invited to contribute an amount based on their graduation year — this year being $20.25 — and those who give toward this scholarship will receive a philanthropy cord to wear at graduation.
To learn more about philanthropy at 51鱨վ, visit the University Advancement website.