Weekend of Philanthropy

More than 300 members of the Falcon Family joined BGSU for the 2015 Celebration of Philanthropy weekend on Sept. 18 and 19. On Friday evening, the University welcomed members of The Presidents Club, which recognizes donors with lifetime giving of $15,000 or more. A highlight of the evening was a tribute to nine generous BGSU supporters who have provided more than $1 million in lifetime giving to the University.

On Saturday, the University honored members of the Leadership Circle, people who made gifts of $1,000 or more last fiscal year, and scholarship donors. For the first time, people who made gifts of any amount for three years or more were welcomed into the Carillon Society.

BGSU Board of Trustee Chair David Levey ’71 spoke to the audience about his own BGSU experience and connected that to his own philanthropy to the University. Junior Neisha Marie Medina Candelaria shared her story as a first generation student and thanked the audience for helping her make her dream of a college education come true.

Members of the Falcon Family provided more than $21 million to the University in fiscal year 2015 which ended on June 30, 2015. More than 13,808 individuals (including alumni, friends, current and former students and groups) and 648 corporations and foundations strengthened BGSU with their philanthropic support.

From student scholarships and professorships, to building enhancements and Athletics support, every part of the BGSU community benefitted last year from the generosity of alumni and friends. BGSU advocates such as Leadership Council members, Alumni network leaders, Board of Trustees members and Campus Campaign leaders embraced and advanced a culture of philanthropy for the University and played a key role in the fundraising efforts.

Another important component of the 2015 fundraising success was the number of University events that provided venues for philanthropy. The inaugural Bravo! BG event showcased the robust University Arts community while raising more than $60,000 for student scholarships. Alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more were welcomed to the Golden Falcons Reunion where many of the alumni made gifts to help today’s students. Graduating seniors earned the title of "Forever Falcon" for choosing to make their first gift the BGSU while still students.

“We are fortunate that so many members of the Falcon Family support the University’s continued emphasis on academic excellence,” said President Mary Ellen Mazey. “As we move forward, it is my hope that every member of the Falcon Family will support this campus with their time, treasure or talent.”