On September 14–15, Thank-a-Donor Days will return for its fifth year of in-person celebrations. This year’s event will take place in the Bone Student Center’s Prairie Rooms I & II from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. each day. The event provides ISU scholarship recipients from various backgrounds the opportunity to write and mail a thank-you letter to their scholarship donors. Unique to this year’s event is that all students will be able to attend Thank-a-Donor Days, regardless of their scholarship status. During the two-day celebration, Redbirds can share their gratitude for university supporters, enjoy a free meal, and take home a t-shirt and other prizes.
In years past, more than 400 students have taken the time to demonstrate gratitude to their respective donors. This unique event allows students to initiate and maintain a relationship with University donors, with whom they may not otherwise have had an opportunity to connect.
Last year, actuarial science major Jabari Washington wrote a thank you letter after being awarded the State Farm Actuarial Sciences Scholarship.
“When I found out I had received this scholarship, I was ecstatic. This scholarship is helping to ease the burden that the cost of college has put on me,” said Washington. “As an actuarial major, I not only have to pay for my school supplies but for my actuarial exam materials as well.”
In a thank-you letter to his donors Washington wrote, “As I look into the future, I have accepted an internship at State Farm for this following summer. I look forward to being able to apply the skills I have learned at my past internship to my next internship at State Farm. Thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity and thank you for all you do for other students at ISU. Your presence on this campus is felt by nearly every student.”
For many donors, receiving a thank-you letter from the students they support is priceless. Learning more about students’ accomplishments is fulfilling for donors and gives them the chance to see their tremendous impact on the lives of university scholarship recipients. This year’s goal is to bring in 425 students during the two-day event.
