Charger Spirit on Full Display During Founders/Giving Day

Alexis Smith ’25 was excited to join her fellow Chargers in a celebration that included fun, philanthropy, and food. It was an opportunity for members of the University community to show their support and their Charger Pride – both on campus and online.

The University’s Founders Day and Giving Day event drew many undergraduate and graduate students such as Smith. She’d been looking forward to enjoying the food at the event – including the tasty cookies. Being a part of the festivities celebrating the 103^rd anniversary of the University’s founding was a treat as students prepared for finals.

“I like the sense of community that the University fosters with events such as this,” said Smith, a psychology major. “They bring everyone together, and I enjoy that.”

‘The power of education to change lives’

After a Charger Pride breakfast, the official Founders/Giving Day kickoff was held in the Bixler/Gerber Quad. It included remarks from several University and student leaders, as well as a Charger Fight Song performance by members of the University’s cheer and dance teams. The Fire Science Club served up hamburgers and hot dogs, and Chargers gathered to have lunch and enjoy the festivities.

Chargers were later treated to a Charger Pride Festival, which included food trucks and free Italian ice, cookies, and coffee. They also had the opportunity to enter to win prize baskets with Charger swag.

“I’m grateful to get to plan events like this for everyone,” said Anabelle Davis ’24, a criminal justice major and president of the Student Committee of Programming Events (SCOPE). “I’ve met some of the kindest, most motivated people I’ve known. I’m proud to speak among leaders who care so passionately about the University community.”

Giving Day brought together members of the University community who showed their support for students. The University surpassed its ambitious goal of 1,000 donors and $100,000 in contributions in 24 hours. This also led to unlocking an additional $50,000 in matches that will help further ignite student success.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are able to provide our students with the best possible education and prepare them for success in the world,” said Brian Otis, vice president for Advancement. “The gifts received on Giving Day will help us to continue to expand our scholarship programs, provide flexibility to respond to student and program needs, and support student-athletes. The many contributions shows the community’s deep commitment to our University and belief in the power of education to change lives.”

‘It’s nice to celebrate together’

During Giving Day, donors could support a variety of important programs, including each academic colleges’ and schools’ Dean’s Excellence Fund, Charger Athletics, and the University’s Study Abroad programs. They could also contribute to important funds, such as The Howard Harris Scholarship, The Emergency Scholarship Fund, and the Ukrainian Student Support Fund.

“This University gives us so many things – friends who become family, a home away from home, a community,” said Prateek Mansingh ’23 MHA, president of the Graduate Student Council. “I hope everyone reflects on what the University has given them.”

Ana Berns ’24 was thinking about that as she enjoyed the Charger cheer and the treats during the celebration. She says celebrating Founders/Giving Day was meaningful.

“Giving back to the students and to the faculty for all they do is important,” said Berns, a psychology major. “Our professors do so much for us. It’s nice to celebrate together. Being with everyone, having fun and smiling, is great.”