EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan’s alumni, faculty, staff and students came together for the University’s third annual #GIVINGTRUEDAY to raise $827,299 from the incredible generosity of 927 donors. Supporters gave to a variety of scholarships, programs, services and 89.1 WEMU, the campus’ National Public Radio affiliate. 

Donors were inspired to give through several matching gift incentives and events happening on campus throughout the day. EMU Student Government offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $15,000 to all donations made to the EMU Student Emergency Fund, which allows students to apply for one-time financial assistance when facing an unexpected, possibly life-altering crisis. Student Body President Ethan Smith, who has spearheaded the project, said far too often EMU students are forced to choose between basic necessities such as paying for rent, paying for food and paying their tuition.

This project and many others were featured on the University’s crowdfunding site, Crowdfund EMU, which generated over $10,500 in gifts throughout the day. Other matching gift efforts for the day included a 1:1 match up to $10,000 for the College of Business Student Organization Travel Fund. The match was put up by alumnus and longtime donor Keith Mantis (BS76), who has founded and serves as CEO for three major construction equipment suppliers in the Southwest U.S. Another dollar-for-dollar match from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) was offered for Creative Writing’s BathHouse Reading Series.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the 900+ Eastern Michigan alumni, faculty, staff, students and members of the community for coming together and pledging their support of our University on this special day,” said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. “#GIVINGTRUEDAY is a wonderful representation of the inspiration and deep-seated affection for this University and all it stands for. It is truly inspiring to see so many people say 'yes' to Eastern and 'yes' to our students and vigorously supporting our award-winning academic programs and services.”

Students, faculty and supporters also attended the annual WEMU Open House and live jam session hosted by the station’s house band, led by bassist Kurt Krahnke. WEMU hosted live jazz with refreshments and station tours from noon to 7 p.m. as a way to say thanks to WEMU donors. Students were also treated to cookies at donor appreciation stations, where students signed thank you cards for #GIVINGTRUEDAY donors.

This year represents the highest number of donors for #GIVINGTRUEDAY. In 2018, the University raised $857,434 through the generosity of 852 donors, eclipsing the previous record from 2017 of $468,921 and 900 donors.

For more information, visit the #GIVINGTRUEDAY website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 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; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; 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 www.emich.edu.