For students like Jason Rivera, February is about more than giving gifts on Valentine ’s Day; it is actually a month put aside for giving back to those who make a Seton Hall education possible- our donors.
February is celebrated as Student Engagement and Philanthropy month at universities across the country. Here at Seton Hall, the month is dedicated to raising awareness of the donors who make the University the place that it is, and for showing appreciation towards these donors.
“This month is crucial because we finally get off the trend of asking for contributions and we take time to let those who donate how appreciative we are,” said Rivera, a junior who is vice president of Student Alumni Association (SAA).
The month’s special activities are organized by members of the Office of Development in collaboration with SAA. Rivera explained that the month consists of smaller activities to give thanks followed up by one culminating event to celebrate SHU donors.
Events that have been held so far include “Love A Donor Day” and “Thanks For Tanks” where students received SHU tank tops. There was also a week long “Thank-A-Thon” where members of SAA hit the phones to reach out to over 3,000 donors to thank them for their generous contributions. The events will end with a full day of note writing across campus on Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day, Feb. 26.
Leanne Pinard, the assistant director of annual giving, explained that it is important for students to thank donors. “My hope is that students have a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back to Seton Hall and how impactful gifts from our donors really are,” said Pinard.
Something new was introduced this year in the form of a student loyalty recognition program, True Blue for Students, which had a kick-off reception, open to all students, at the University Center on Feb. 25.
Siobhan McGirl can be reached at siobhan.mcgirl@student.shu.edu.
