February 10, 2014

Students will participate in philanthropy effort

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- On Feb. 27, Southern Illinois University will join nearly 100 educational institutions worldwide to participate in the second annual Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day. The initiative, organized by CASE Affiliated Student Advancement Programs, is designed to increase student understanding of philanthropy and grow engagement on campuses.

CASE is the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, an international association of colleges and universities that serves alumni relations, fundraising, communications and marketing professionals. CASE is based in Washington, D.C.
 
Institutions from the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and other countries will participate in the event through various activities, including “thank-a-thons,” daylong social media campaigns and student video interviews on what giving means to them.
 
The SIU Foundation and SIU Alumni Association will be inviting students to write “Thank You” notes to various donors, who have given generously to the Carbondale campus in recent years. Stations, with representatives from the Association’s Student Alumni Council, will be set up at the Student Center and at Morris Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This event occurs annually on campuses around the world. One of the benefits of hosting this day at SIU is that our students learn how contributions have an impact upon their lives,” Jim Salmo, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, said.  “Once a student feels the generosity personally, they naturally want to say thank you.  And the donors love hearing from them.  Our SIU Student Engagement Philanthropy Day has real meaning for all who are involved."

“Facilitating relationships by engaging students in support of SIU is one of the roles of the SIU Alumni Association,” Michelle Suarez, Association executive director said. “We appreciate the participation of the Student Alumni Council in managing this effort.”

CASE ASAP provides programming, services and resources in advancement, including fundraising and alumni relations for students and advisers at student alumni associations, student foundations and similar organizations at colleges and universities that are members of the
Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
 
Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day is part of CASE ASAP’s goal to foster and enhance student involvement in all areas of advancement -- including fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and marketing.
 
“It’s important that students start taking steps to become the next group of philanthropic leaders,” Rob Henry, CASE’s executive director of emerging constituencies said. “On Feb. 27, we
celebrate the value students bring to their institutions with their time, talent, and treasure.”