EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University is getting ready to participate in its eighth year of #GIVINGTRUEDAY, on Dec. 1, 2020. Organizations around the world celebrate #GivingTuesday, an international day of charitable giving. This day serves as an opportunity for EMU alumni, donors, and friends to come together and make a difference in the lives of Eastern Michigan students.

As a response to holidays such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a movement originally founded in 2012 to create an international day of giving to kick-off the holiday season. With this semester starting off unlike ever before, EMU is encouraging all students, faculty, and alumni to participate by supporting the EMU project or fund they care about most.

“2020 has been a year of uncertainty for EMU students, faculty, and staff,” said Bill Shepard, Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director, EMU Foundation. “There are countless opportunities to support EMU programs, scholarships, organizations, and more this year, and we are hoping to build on our excitement from past giving days.”

There has never been a better time to meet the needs of EMU students, faculty, and staff than now. In addition to a $20,000 contribution, EMU Student Government is once again matching all donations with an additional $20,000 to the EMU Student Emergency Fund. This fund has been essential during this year’s unforeseen events, and has awarded more than 500 students financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the Student Emergency Fund and its recent impact on students on the fund’s special web page.

The Eastern Michigan crowdfunding page is hosting more than 15 individual projects that are making an impact in many areas all over campus. These projects focus on immediate student needs, specific programs and colleges, and much more. Many of these projects are offering matching gift opportunities, giving donors the chance to double their impact.

More than 925 donors came together last year to raise $827,299 through a combination of campus collaborations, major gifts, and crowdfunding. Every gift received on #GIVINGTRUEDAY has a direct impact on critical student services and programs such as the Student Emergency Fund.

“#GIVINGTRUEDAY allows us to all come together and make a difference as one community,” said Shepard. “Every gift, large or small, has a direct impact. We are asking all of our EMU family and friends to make a gift this year and help students more than ever before. Watch for updates throughout the day on our social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.”

For more information, visit the #GIVINGTRUEDAY web site.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 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 the University's website.