Faculty, staff support students at Homecoming philanthropy 5K

In conjunction with BGSU’s Freddie and Frieda 5K Philanthropy Run/Walk at Homecoming, three groups are utilizing the University’s “Falcon Funded” crowdfunding platform to raise funds for student scholarships, professional development and a book award.

These two-week mini-campaigns, which end on Oct. 10, allow groups to participate as teams in the 5K, but also raise funds for a campus program they are passionate about. A gift made to any of these crowdfunding projects would count as faculty/staff participation in BGSU’s 2016-2017 Campus Campaign.

This year’s 5K team fund-raising projects include: the Alumni Laureate Scholarship program, the Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals student organization and the Office of Residence Life/SMART program.

The Alumni Laureate Scholars are raising funds for student scholarships, while the Aspiring Student Affairs Professional student group is raising funds for upcoming professional development opportunities.

From the Office of Residence Life, Joshua Lawrie, assistant director, and Ana Brown, coordinator for the Diversity and Retention Initiative, are spearheading efforts for the SMART crowdfunding project. All funds raised will support SMART’s annual book award.

“I am always thinking about ways to help our students be successful,” Lawrie said. “The SMART Falcon Funded project allows us to focus on retention and persistence through fundraising. SMART is a mentoring program designed to offer social, cultural, leadership and academic support to first-year students of color living in the residence halls at BGSU.

“Students who participate in SMART are typically retained at a higher rate than peers who do not participate in the program. The SMART dollars raised will have a direct and immediate impact on current students, and I cannot think of a more meaningful and impactful way to direct my dollars.”

Thanks to the generosity of 867 alumni, friends and faculty/staff at BGSU, Falcon Funded has assisted 27 student organizations, departments, programs and colleges to raise more than $185,000 since its launch in April 2015. The crowdfunding platform has helped groups raise funds for student travel, professional development, Greek Parlor fees, events, scholarships and more.

For more information on Falcon Funded, email jcraven@bgsu.edu.