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Alexis Smith �Ӱ�ԭ��25 was excited to join her fellow Chargers 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 Charger Pride �Ӱ�ԭ�� both on campus and online.

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

�Ӱ�ԭ��I like the sense of community that the University fosters with events such as this,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Smith, a psychology major. �Ӱ�ԭ��They bring everyone together, and I enjoy that.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��The power of education to change lives�Ӱ�ԭ��

After a Charger 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 Charger Fight Song performance by members of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s and teams. The served up hamburgers and hot dogs, and Chargers gathered to have lunch and enjoy the festivities.

Chargers were later treated to a Charger 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 Charger swag.

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

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.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Thanks 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,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Brian Otis, vice president for Advancement. �Ӱ�ԭ��The 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�Ӱ�ԭ��s deep commitment to our University and belief in the power of education to change lives.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��It�Ӱ�ԭ��s nice to celebrate together�Ӱ�ԭ��

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

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

Ana Berns �Ӱ�ԭ��24 was thinking about that as she enjoyed the Charger cheer and the treats during the celebration. She says celebrating Founders/Giving Day was meaningful.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Giving back to the students and to the faculty for all they do is important,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Berns, a psychology major. �Ӱ�ԭ��Our professors do so much for us. It�Ӱ�ԭ��s nice to celebrate together. Being with everyone, having fun and smiling, is great.�Ӱ�ԭ��