EMU makes history with record-breaking day of giving

Eastern Michigan raised more than $2.2 million for a variety of scholarships, programs and services on #GIVINGTRUEDAY

A group of students pose with stuffed Swoop eagles and a #GivingTRUEday sign in front of the Alumni Association backdrop.

YPSILANTI - On Nov. 30, 2021, Eastern Michigan University alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students came together for the University’s annual day of giving, #GIVINGTRUEDAY. Thanks to the support of 800 donors, Eastern Michigan raised more than $2.2 million for a variety of scholarships, programs and services in a matter of 24 hours, making Tuesday, EMU’s greatest day of giving in its history.

Many donors were inspired to contribute through several matching gift efforts happening all around campus. For example, in addition to leading a $10,000 crowdfunding campaign, EMU Student Government will match all donations up to $10,000 to the EMU Student Emergency Fund. The Student Emergency Fund has provided essential financial support for more than 500 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project and many others were featured on the University’s crowdfunding site, which is home to 50 initiatives and projects around campus. 

“It is exciting and gratifying to see the enthusiasm of our Eastern Michigan University community in supporting our students,” EMU President James Smith said. “We are a University that cares deeply about our students, and that was profoundly evident on this remarkable and record-breaking #GIVINGTRUEDAY. I am proud of how our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students responded to the challenge of helping to support our many scholarships, programs, student organizations and special initiatives. It is truly inspiring.”

Bill Shepard, Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director of the EMU Foundation, added, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the hundreds of people who helped make this a record-breaking day. #GIVINGTRUEDAY is a wonderful example of the generous spirit of our University community.”

This year’s record setting Giving TrueDay was bolstered by many significant leadership gifts, including a challenge gift by Emeritus Regent and EMU alumnus, Phil Incarnati, as part of the University’s ongoing $100 million Give Rise campaign, which has raised more than $84 million to date.   

For more information, visit emich.edu/givingtrueday.

About Give Rise: The Campaign for Eastern Michigan University

Give Rise is the comprehensive fundraising campaign for Eastern Michigan University. With a goal of $100 million, Give Rise is Eastern Michigan’s largest goal to date. Launched in March, 2021, Give Rise will support student success, advance EMU’s programs of distinction, and help students excel beyond the classroom. To give and learn more about the Campaign for Eastern Michigan University, visit emugiverise.com.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 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.

December 01, 2021

Written by:
Aric Bird

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401