EMU Today

YPSILANTI -- For the sixth consecutive year, the Eastern Michigan University community is coming together to participate in the global day of philanthropy known as Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 27. #GIVINGTRUEDAY is EMU's 24-hour, campus-wide day of giving back and everyone is working hard to surpass last year’s success when over 900 donors contributed a grand total of $468,921 to support opportunities for students.

Founded in 2012 as a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the holiday season, Giving Tuesday is a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends are being asked to support the causes they care about the most at EMU which could be a scholarship, student support service, faculty program or the University’s greatest need.

“Our planning has expanded from social media outreach to include a broad range of crowdfunding projects that can be viewed from the Giving True Day webpage,” said Carole Booms, director of annual giving. “This year we’ve generated a lot of excitement from alumni chapters, student organizations and athletics to help us spread our message of EMU’s good work even farther.”

Community members are invited to the WEMU Open House and Jam Session hosted in King Hall from Noon to 7 p.m. on Nov. 27. This event is a partnership between WEMU and the EMU Foundation to celebrate #GIVINGTRUEDAY with tasty treats and great music.

EMU Foundation staff and volunteers will also be engaging the University community from Noon to 3 p.m. at the EMU Student Center on Nov. 27 as part of the day of giving. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by to record a thank you message, take a #GIVINGTRUEDAY picture, and write personal thank you messages that will be sent to everyone who donates.

EMU’s annual Giving Tuesday campaign has risen steadily, and last year marked the introduction of the #GIVINGTRUEDAY branding which added a more local and personal touch. Social media has played a significant role in the growing success of the campaign with #GIVINGTRUEDAY messages reaching thousands of supporters through Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and Linkedin.

“This is a tremendous day to see the power of the EMU community in action," said Booms. "We are asking all our family and friends to make a gift and support opportunities for EMU students as well as sharing posts and crowdfunding projects on social media. Watch for updates and stories throughout the day on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.”

More information can be found at emich.edu/givingtrueday.