Students give their time, inspire alumni to give back on Giving Tuesday

BGSU students benefited from the generosity of Giving Tuesday supporters — a national day of philanthropy following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More than 230 donors showed their Falcon pride and gave $88,979 within 24 hours. This is the third year that BGSU has participated in Giving Tuesday, raising a total of $225,800 for the University on Giving Tuesday since 2014.

“Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to supporting the causes we love,” said Rebecca Kocher, associate vice president of alumni relations, annual giving and development operations. “Our alumni and friends have shown that they love BGSU and are passionate about impacting the lives of students. We aimed to reach 216 donors in one day, and we are so proud to have exceeded that goal.  

“We are also so proud of our students, who dedicated time and goods to benefit the local community and fellow students.”  

By 5 p.m. on Giving Tuesday, students had dedicated 348 hours of service. The BGSU Student Philanthropy Committee created various service opportunities to have a direct impact in Wood County and on the BGSU campus. Their efforts included supporting The Cocoon Shelter - a local shelter which provides safety, healing and justice for battered women and their children; making toys for animals for the Wood County Humane Society; decorating ornaments for the Wood County Committee on Aging; and helping fellow BGSU Falcons who may not have access to food by donating a swipe to Falcon Care.  

Two donors were so moved by the students’ dedication that they made gifts in support of those hours of service. Overall, 234 donors gave to 63 funds, impacting many areas of campus. Eighty-two donors chose to support The Excellence Fund for BGSU. The Excellence Fund supports the University’s area of greatest need and impacts every student on campus by creating innovating learning spaces and curriculum, enriching student life, and maintaining a campus known as a warm and friendly place.

Throughout the day, alumni shared their pride and participated in Giving Tuesday by sharing comments and photos on social media. Many alumni sent Tweets to @FalconAlumni to express why they gave.

Andrea tweeted, “I give because @BGSU_Sociology gave me so much.” #FalconsGive #BGSUGivingTuesday

Ashley shared, “I give because this program gave so much to me!” #ForeverAFalcon #multiculturalscholarship #GivingTuesday #FalconsGive #BGSU

Every gift, no matter what size, makes an impact on current and future Falcons.