First-ever Day of Giving to bring in funds for university
Waynesburg University will be hosting its first ever WU Day of Giving, a 24-hour event which will begin at midnight Nov. 17.
WU Day of Giving is a way to invite the Waynesburg community to show their support of the university and its mission of faith, learning and service.
“It’s an opportunity for alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, parents and the local community to show that they believe in the mission of Waynesburg University,” said Vikki Beppler, assistant director of Alumni Relations.
The Office Institutional Advancement thought of different techniques for their Day of Giving by learning from other schools who have planned similar events. This way, they gained insight on what to do and what not to do to make the event a success.
Beppler feels this is another way for alumni to support students, as well as their alma mater.
“Ultimately I think everyone who makes a gift that day believes in Waynesburg, believes in our students and wants to see the university continue to succeed,” said Beppler.
Community and friends can make a donation online, but another way the university is getting involved is through the some of the academic departments.
Whichever department receives the most gifts that day will receive money for their department budget. First place will receive $4,000 towards their department account, second place will receive $2,000 and third place will receive $1,000, according to Donna Nypaver, assistant director of development.
“No matter which department receives the most gifts, the entire university will be impacted in some way by this event,” said Nypaver. “All students can get involved by sharing the links online and asking their family and friends to participate.”
The Office of University Relations has created a “fun and shareable” video that will premiere at the Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 16. It is a way to make students aware of the event coming up later that week, according to Beppler. The event will give the students the opportunity to unwind and celebrate being a student before going on Thanksgiving break.
“The Waynesburg community will learn about our Day of Giving at the beginning of November through the Annual Report, a publication distributed to all alumni and friends,” said Nypaver. “In it, we will share more details with them about how they can participate.”
The Office of Institutional Advancement is relying on social media to drive the event and reach their goal of 250 people to donate to Waynesburg in the 24-hour period. They are projecting to have many online donations throughout the day because it is quicker, easier and more accessible for most donors.
The Office of Institutional Advancement success for this event, and hoping to exceed the goal of 250 donors. If WU Day of Giving goes well, it will become a yearly event.
To make a donation or learn more about the event, students can visit www.waynesburg.edu/DayOfGiving.
The website will be updated hourly Nov. 17 to keep people updated on the status of the university in hopes of reaching its goal number of donors.