LovEMU Giving Day on April 10 at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) will allow supporters to “show the love” with those who otherwise could not afford the quality academics and transformational opportunities of an EMU experience.
“Gifts to EMU are key to making the EMU experience accessible to all, including those from varied socio-economic, academic and culturally diverse backgrounds,” says Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement. “Now more than ever, this is key to EMU’s mission to prepare undergraduate, graduate and seminary students to serve and lead in a global context.”
Visit love.emu.edu to make a donation and view the department or athletics leaderboard!
Challenges and activities
Gifts of any size on this day – with thousands of dollars available in matching gifts by primarily anonymous donors – will support any fund the donor designates for undergraduate, graduate or seminary students.
A variety of challenges and special activities are planned throughout the day.
The Sweetheart Challenge is new this year. Two alumni sweethearts will give $10,000 if 50 alumni couples who met at EMU give a gift.
More challenges:
- If the Centennial Challenge of 100 gifts of $100 dollars or more is met, an anonymous donor will give $10,000.
- In the Alumni Challenge, President Susan Schultz Huxman and Provost Fred Kniss will match every alumni gift of $10 or more up to $6,000.
- A generous parent will donate $10,000 for the Parent/Grandparent Challenge if 100 parents or grandparents participate in LovEMU Day.
- Additional challenges include current students, faculty/staff, current and former Board of Trustee members.
- Students can jump in with a spontaneous gift of any size. They might also text grandparents, uncles, aunts and others who are supportive of the EMU experience their loved one is having at EMU.
- When making an online gift, donors will be invited to vote for an academic program or athletic team to highlight what they love(d) about EMU; the program earning the most votes will win $500 for their program/department use. (In 2017, the winners were women’s volleyball and teacher education.)
Alumni gatherings
Alumni are gathering in locations across the country, including locations in Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio. Find your nearest location here.
Why LovEMU Giving Day?
“Alumni often say how much they ‘loved’ their EMU experience,” says Jeff Shank, director of alumni and parent engagement. “They mention friends, a professor, an athletic or cross-cultural experience. LovEMU Giving Day invites people to remember what they love about EMU and share that love.”
The size of the gift does not matter. It’s participating that is important.
“A high Alumni Participation Rate means so much more to EMU than just donations,” says Shank. “A higher rate helps us to gain favorable notice from corporations and foundations when we seek grants and by U.S. News & World Report as they compile their rankings. Students and faculty also care that alumni are engaged.”
So help make EMU affordable so every student can become equipped for success in the job market or further academic pursuits, within the context of a supportive community.
And show you love EMU to benefit current and future students and faculty!
Throughout the day, people can watch the website and social media for updates on amounts raised and challenges that still need a boost.
Who benefits?
“EMU’s financial aid is as generous as we can make it for both merit-based and need-based undergraduate student aid,” says Michele Hensley, financial aid director. The average financial assistance package for an undergraduate student in 2016-17 was $30,000. Over $14 million in aid was awarded by EMU last year.
“We work with each family, knowing that college study is a significant investment,” she said. “We believe EMU is a worthwhile investment and need more support to make it available to all who seek to be part of our community.”
Plan to Show the Love
Please plan to show your love on LovEMU Giving Day April 10 by giving a gift online, phoning in a pledge at (540) 432-4200 or (800) 368-3383, or emailing your intentions to devoffice@emu.edu.
Share your love and Royal pride in the comments section now or on April 10 when you make your online contribution. Tell us what you loved, learned and remember from your EMU experience.