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In honor of �������ϲ�����’s 113th birthday, �������ϲ����� launched its second annual Day of Giving May 19. This Day of Giving, the blue and gold community joined together to celebrate another trip around the sun for �������ϲ����� with more than 500 generous donors giving in support of student scholarships. The campaign also encouraged students to get involved by educating them about philanthropy and asking them to vote for the first annual Day of Giving Student Choice Award. 

Voters could select from four key student support funds held in the KSU Foundation and created by the university’s generous donors. From April 24-May 19, 1,750 students voted for the fund they thought was most deserving of this honor, which earned it additional support from the �������ϲ����� Foundation. In celebration of �������ϲ�����’s birthday, the foundation is providing $1,000 to the winning fund, the CARES Basic Needs Student Fund, which helps support students by providing funding for essentials like food and shelter.

“�������ϲ�����’s birthday provides us with an opportunity to celebrate not only our great university, but also our students, who are at the heart of everything we do,” said Leigh Greenfelder, senior associate vice president and COO of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at �������ϲ�����. “We focused this day of giving around student scholarships, which enrich our students’ educational experiences while ensuring they stay on track to graduation. We’re very grateful to the alumni and friends who are supporting a bright future for all Golden Flashes.”

The giving day featured more than 25 scholarship funds and an opportunity for individual gifts to be matched up to $500 until the $15,000 in matching funds were exhausted. These scholarships support students across �������ϲ�����’s eight-campus system, as well as students wishing to study abroad through the university’s extensive global education program.

Throughout the campaign, the community sent their birthday wishes to �������ϲ����� on social media, and Flash, the university’s mascot, highlighted �������ϲ����� locations and offices around the globe as he searched for the perfect place to ring in the special occasion.

Keeping with the campaign theme of another trip around the sun, all donors who gave $50 or more for �������ϲ�����’s birthday will receive a special �������ϲ����� luggage tag to travel in blue and gold style and show their KSU pride. The university will be sending out more than 350 luggage tags in appreciation of the generous alumni and friends who supported scholarships at this level.

“�������ϲ����� is fortunate to have this community of generous donors and engaged students who support one another, and not just for special occasions like �������ϲ�����’s birthday,” said Danielle Hupp, director of communications and annual giving, �������ϲ����� Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “The culture of philanthropy at KSU is something we’re really proud of and it’s wonderful to see students participate.”

For a complete list of the 2023 Day of Giving campaign featured funds, visit www.kent.edu/birthday.

To learn more about the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign Forever Brighter, visit www.kent.edu/foreverbrighter. 

Photo Caption:
Flash with his suitcase, preparing to visit �������ϲ����� locations and offices around the globe as he searches for the perfect place to celebrate �������ϲ�����’s birthday.