Giving Tuesday 2017 was a great success for Illinois State University and the Division of Student Affairs. Redbird pride was seen across the nation, and the Division of Student Affairs is grateful for over 230 gifts received from generous alumni, staff, friends, and students. This year, it was exciting to see so many current students begin their legacy of giving on Giving Tuesday.
Senior Elena Roth shared, “I chose to make a gift on Giving Tuesday because I recognize all the opportunities this University has given me in the three short years I’ve been here. I want students in the future to have access to the same opportunities and experiences I did.” Roth, along with many other students, are paving the way for future Redbirds with their gifts. ” I want students in the future to have access to the same opportunities and experiences I did.” -Elena Roth, Senior
On the Giving Tuesday website, donors can support their passion by easily choosing which area they wish to support. Junior Megan Asher, decided to make a gift to the LGBTQIA Support Fund because she believes “it is important to create an open and accepting environment at ISU.”
Similarly, sophomore Sarah Aguilar supported her passion with a gift to the Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Fund. Aguilar is proud of the diversity at Illinois State University and hopes that her donation “will help maintain, and even improve, the diversity and inclusion” efforts of the institution.
Our students don’t just give back to Illinois State University, but also to future students through scholarship funds. Senior Taylor Hochecker was excited to give to the University Housing Student Employee Scholarship, showing her appreciation for a department who gave her so much as a student employee. Hochecker believes that “philanthropy can open your eyes and heart to many new things in the world… and it is so heartwarming to know that you can help others even in college.” “philanthropy can open your eyes and heart to many new things in the world… and it is so heartwarming to know that you can help others even in college.” -Taylor Hochecker, Senior
Each student who chose to support the Division of Student Affairs on Giving Tuesday was inspired by the thousands of alumni and friends who support the University each year and was honored to do their part as a student. Asher shared, “It’s important for students to get involved with philanthropy on campus because while one person can make an impact, as a whole, …due to sheer numbers, even if each person does a small act, together we can all make a huge impact.”
The Division of Student Affairs thanks each supporter who shares their time, talents, and treasures each year. Their support impacts our students each day, and is inspiring the next generation of Redbirds to support their passions at Illinois State University.
Roth was influenced by your gifts and believes “the support from alumni and friends is especially important in maintaining the connection between them and campus… if current students see how strong that connection is, they will feel more encouraged to stay close to the University even after they leave it.”
To learn more about the opportunities to support your passion and the Division of Student Affairs, visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu.
