Giselle Camunez, a senior design major, and Dina Elsaid, a junior government major, at the Division of Student Affairs table on Thanks Day
By Alma Garcia, Assistant Director of Development
Thank you all for your support of Division of Student Affairs fundraising efforts during this spring term. Now, two years after the public launch of the What Starts Here fundraising campaign, we continue to make great progress in reaching our development goals to support our students.
40 Hours for the Forty Acres, April 10-11
The Division raised over $238,000 for 61 departments and programs during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres! During the University’s 40-hour online giving initiative, we had several match challenges, including an $11,000 match benefitting Horns Helping Horns. We also had an anonymous donor commit $50,000 each to the Center for Students in Recovery, Counseling and Mental Health Center and the UT Outpost. A big shout out to everyone who worked on this campaign.
Longhorn Family Leadership Council Meeting, April 12
The Council’s spring meeting took place on April 12, and we had a great turnout. During lunch, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Dison welcomed the group. During the afternoon meeting, Associate Vice President for Health and Well-being Chris Brownson presented updates on the Healthyhorns portfolio (Counseling and Mental Health Center, Longhorn Wellness Center and University Health Services). Katie McGee, interim associate vice president and dean of students, shared updates about her portfolio. The Council is in the process of establishing a Healthyhorns Endowed Excellence Fund to support student health and well-being.
Thanks Day, April 18
Thanks Day is a great opportunity to include students in our efforts to thank our donors for their generous support. The Division hosted a table on the West Mall where almost 200 students and Division student employees handwrote 450 thank-you cards to first-time donors. This annual event is a valuable way for students to learn not only about the importance of philanthropy but the value of stewardship. Thank you to all of our departments for supporting this event.
Be on the lookout for more exciting fundraising opportunities in Fall 2024! If you have questions about our Division’s donor-relations activities, please email me.