EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University set another single-day giving record for its #GIVINGTRUEDAY campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 28, bringing in $875,434 through a combination of grassroots fundraising, collaboration with the campus community and major gifts. The University had set a half-million dollar goal for the 2018 campaign.

This marked the second year the University’s TRUEMU brand was incorporated as part of the global day of philanthropy known as Giving Tuesday – a movement that started six years ago as a way to give back after the consumerism of Black Friday. In all, there were 852 donors who contributed to EMU on #GIVINGTRUEDAY.

"#GIVINGTRUEDAY was an exceptional team effort in terms of the support we received from our faculty, staff, students and alumni," said President James Smith. "We have so many wonderful student-based programs, services and academic efforts to support at Eastern. Yesterday vividly shows the pride and the commitment Eastern enjoys among those connected to the University.

“My sincere thanks to all who participated in this special day of giving."

Donors supported a wide variety of funds, including student services, faculty programs, scholarships and special initiatives. EMU featured numerous fundraising efforts on its crowdfunding site, donate.emich.edu, including projects supporting the Student Emergency Fund, Students for Recovery Fund, Swoop’s Food Pantry and College of Business Student Organizations, which was matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 by a COB alumnus.

Faculty, staff and students were treated to events happening on campus, including the 89.1 WEMU Open House and Jam session that featured live jazz throughout the day, and a thank you table set up in the Student Center in the afternoon. Staff handed out cookies and prizes to students as they signed cards and recorded video thank you messages to donors.

“#GIVINGTRUEDAY was an inspiring reflection of the partnerships the University works so hard to cultivate,” said Bill Shepard, Vice President of Advancement for EMU. “It was gratifying to see individuals from Emeritus faculty to alumni come together, not only to give back but to celebrate the opportunities that make EMU such a distinct institution. We are so grateful to all who helped make this day a community-wide success.”

In 2017, Eastern raised $468,921 on Giving Tuesday, exceeding its goal by nearly $70,000. For more information, visit the website at emich.edu/givingtrueday.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.