After graduating and finding success in their chosen fields, some alumni of North Central College look for ways to give back to the school that has given them so much. On April 5, the college held its first Day of Giving as part of its ongoing Brilliant Future campaign.
The college used the hashtag #Be1of861 on their Facebook and Twitter pages to encourage alumni to make donations on the day. According to the official college website, “North Central College’s inaugural Day of Giving will be a fun and inspiring coming-together of alumni, parents, friends, and Cardinal fans all over the world to show their support for North Central over a 24-hour period.”
As incentive to donate to become one of the goal of 861 donators on April 5, the college created several challenges and offered a variety of prizes. The challenges included “Happy Hour,” “Tower Hour,” and a current student challenge in which for each current student who donated to the cause, the vice chair of the Advancement Committee for the Board of trustees donated $10.
Senior Kimberley Wilson worked for the Phonathon and called alumni on the Day of Giving to encourage them to donate and become one of 861. Wilson was one of the many students who gave on the Day of Giving.
“I donated in support of the women’s basketball team, because we never really get donors,” said Wilson. “Another reason I donated is because I want to give a better experience to my peers who will still go here after I graduate.”
Though the school did not reach its goal of 861 donors, the total amount of donations reached over $90,000 with 823 donors. Overall, 95 percent of the goal was reached. Alumni from 45 states donated to the cause.
Donations from the Day of Giving, as well as donations for the Brilliant Future campaign, help many different areas of the college. Some will be allocated to the general fund for the college, which helps to fund scholarships, institutional support, instruction, student services, academic support, operations and athletics.
Though the Brilliant Future campaign is mostly known for the new science center at this point, other projects will be started in the near future. These include renovations to Goldsphon Hall and Kroehler Science Center, as well as improving student dining and expanding the library.
Even though the first Day of Giving did not reach its final goal, it has started a new tradition for the college and given students and alumni alike; a new way to give back.
