The Charger Blog
In exceeding its Giving Day fundraising goals, the University offered Chargers a fun and inclusive celebration of Founders Day, marking the 103rd anniversary of its founding. Members of the University community showed their support for students and reflected on the important impact the University has had on their own lives.
May 11, 2023
Alexis Smith Ӱԭ25 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 Ӱԭ both on campus and online.
The UniversityӰԭs Founders Day and Giving Day event drew many undergraduate and graduate students such as Smith. SheӰԭd been looking forward to enjoying the food at the event Ӱԭ including the tasty cookies. Being a part of the festivities celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the UniversityӰԭs founding was a treat as students prepared for finals.
ӰԭI like the sense of community that the University fosters with events such as this,Ӱԭ said Smith, a psychology major. ӰԭThey bring everyone together, and I enjoy that.Ӱԭ
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 UniversityӰԭs 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.
ӰԭIӰԭm grateful to get to plan events like this for everyone,Ӱԭ said Anabelle Davis Ӱԭ24, a criminal justice major and president of the . ӰԭIӰԭve met some of the kindest, most motivated people IӰԭve known. IӰԭm proud to speak among leaders who care so passionately about the University community.Ӱԭ
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.
ӰԭThanks 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,Ӱԭ said Brian Otis, vice president for Advancement. ӰԭThe 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 communityӰԭs deep commitment to our University and belief in the power of education to change lives.Ӱԭ
During Giving Day, donors could support a variety of important programs, including each academic collegesӰԭ and schoolsӰԭ DeanӰԭs Excellence Fund, , and the UniversityӰԭs Study Abroad programs. They could also contribute to important funds, such as , , and the .
ӰԭThis University gives us so many things Ӱԭ friends who become family, a home away from home, a community,Ӱԭ said Prateek Mansingh Ӱԭ23 MHA, president of the . ӰԭI hope everyone reflects on what the University has given them.Ӱԭ
Ana Berns Ӱԭ24 was thinking about that as she enjoyed the Charger cheer and the treats during the celebration. She says celebrating Founders/Giving Day was meaningful.
ӰԭGiving back to the students and to the faculty for all they do is important,Ӱԭ said Berns, a psychology major. ӰԭOur professors do so much for us. ItӰԭs nice to celebrate together. Being with everyone, having fun and smiling, is great.Ӱԭ
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