Heading into Emporia State University’s annual Founders Day activities at lunchtime Friday, ESU is celebrating a new level of community engagement, in a manner of speaking.
ESU generated over $315,000 for scholarships, programs and what ESU calls “areas of greatest need” through its Day of Giving effort. Assistant Director for Annual Giving Brandy Clarke says it was an “amazing” show of support.
Fundraising was more than three times last year’s amount of just under $100,000. It was also above the event goal of $250,000 and the stretch goal of $300,000. Clarke says a different community engagement approach helped.
There were also more options for giving, which also resonated.
Over 800 gifts were logged from 661 donors, with an average amount of $329. ESU Foundation and Alumni Association President and CEO Jason Drummond says the effort was “a powerful statement of confidence in the future of Emporia State.
Day of Giving is officially done, but anyone still wanting to donate can do so online at emporia.edu/dayofgiving.
Meanwhile, Founders Day begins at noon at Memorial Union Webb Hall, with doors opening at 11:30 am. The celebration will honor new and past Kellogg Society members, with performances by ESU music programs and recognitions of the annual 1863 scholarship essay winners as the university honors its founding back in 1863.
