$12,674 Raised from 90 Donors for Honors Scholarships

Giving
2021 UMass Gives graphic

The eighth annual UMass Gives two-day philanthropic event generated $12,674 to support Commonwealth Honors College Scholarships on April 29 and 30. The UMass Office of Annual Giving spearheads this effort, but the success of the campaign is due in large part to the hundreds of grassroots fundraising efforts all over campus.

“I'd like to emphasize the gratitude we feel toward the 90 donors who helped generate $12,674 to support Honors students,” said Jennifer Strong, assistant director of development and stewardship at Commonwealth Honors College. “The majority of these gifts are in support of Commonwealth Honors College Community Scholarships, which support promising Honors students with financial need over four years, with preference to first-generation students. Funds raised this year will support two new renewable scholarships.”

Past recipients of Commonwealth Honors College Community Scholarships shared what the award meant to them:

  • “With this scholarship, I am one step closer to my dream of earning the title of medical doctor.”
  • “Words cannot effectively express how grateful receiving this scholarship has made me feel.”
  • “As I begin my journey at UMass, financial burdens will not be an obstacle and I can focus on engaging activities… Thank you for your kind-heartedness and generosity.”

In addition to donor support, effort during UMass Gives was greatly aided by volunteer support from alumni who served as ambassadors, helping to spread the word about the two-day giving event by reaching out to their networks. 

Community members also shared their reasons for giving with #WhyIGive. 

“I’m proud to support my alma mater and participate in #UMassGives because I believe in the power of public higher education,” said Elizabeth Jenkins ’12.

Article posted in Giving for Faculty , Staff , and Current students