Ever since the annual tradition was started six years ago, UW Giving Day has been a time for the UW community to come together as a whole and celebrate their love for the institution.
“UW Giving Day is about creating a culture of philanthropy, gratitude, and giving back. It’s about bringing together all those who love Wyoming and its university and uniting them behind the common purposes of education, research, and service,” said Jack Tennant, Director of Annual Giving at the university.
This year’s giving day is taking place from noon on Nov. 12 to noon on Nov. 13. UW Giving Day is a time for UW alumni, local businesses, or other interested parties to donate directly to their favorite parts of campus or departments.
“Gifts of all sizes are often matched dollar for dollar, with many incentives that are only available on UW Giving Day. The University of Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors has been critical in the success of UW Giving Day by providing significant matching funds every year,” Tennant said.
The donations, as well as the matching funds provided by the University of Wyoming Foundation, is then funneled back into the programs for maintenance, funding for research progress or other necessities.
This year’s theme is “24 means more” in reference to the amount of time the Giving Day program lasts this year as well as more intangible ideas.
“We’ve seen what can be accomplished in a single day and the impact donors have across campus—everything from preparing UW Teams to go head-to-head in competition to providing resources for food insecure students. UW Giving Day is the one event that brings together every campaign and individually celebrates each of them in the spirit of giving,” Tennant said.
As well as departments of education, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) are also taking donations.
“Many RSOs are participating this year including the Central Asian Student Organization, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Women in Business, just to name a few. I highly encourage everyone to browse through the campaigns to learn more about our campus and find ways to support the UW community,” Tennant said.
One such RSO, UW Club Sports has had the most donors for the past two years.
“With over 150 donors giving to various Club Sports organizations, it is clear that the opportunity to continue competing in sports is a major influence on how their collegiate experience is remembered. These donations will help our teams purchase new uniforms and equipment, and travel to represent UW.” said Adam Burke, assistant director of programs at Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center in a University of Wyoming communication.
The 2020 version of UW Giving Day has been moved entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested parties are advised to visit www.uwyo.edu/givingday for more information as well as how to donate.
“The success of UW Giving Day impacts the university throughout the rest of the year—not only through the monetary support received but the energy created around UW Giving Day. This year especially, philanthropy is incredibly vital for each and every program and department on campus,” Tennant said.
