EIU Giving Day raised $120,000 Tuesday, run by the EIU office of advancement, EIU university board and EIU student government.  

The event in Library Quad was a fundraiser as well as a way to appreciate donors and alumni. 

WEIU, Campus Food Pantry, Larry Shobe Memorial Garden and Booth Library were featured funds during this event according to Vice President of University Advancement Mindy Spencer.  

“This is our first time holding an event where we invite students to come and be a part of what we do from a philanthropy perspective,” Spencer said. “We also have signs around campus so students can see the impact of it. It’s a day to celebrate by bringing students in to be involved in the community.”  

Food trucks and lawn games were free for students to take part in; they were also able to write notecards to thank donors and alumni. Free T-shirts were given to those who wrote them.  

Haylee Brickey, the director of development at Eastern, wanted to bring awareness of the importance of giving back to the students.  

“This is how our students should give back today by making any contribution and just making a difference. We have a variety of things here along with writing cards and making videos that will be posted online. They’re like mini donations,” Brickey said. 

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Students waited in line for smoothies during Giving Day on campus in the Library Quad. Free food and games were available for all that showed up.

Sophomore CIT major Azan Asif Khan was there to show his appreciation for his school by joining the notecard making.  

“I think we all should take a moment and thank those who donate to our school and just people in general, so I really enjoy it,” Khan said. “I hope the person that reads my name feels very happy and appreciated.” 

Junior Spanish and studio art major Karina Warfel and sophomore elementary education major Eadie Budd both felt inspired by this event as they both shared positive thoughts on what giving back means to them.  

“Obviously, giving day is to fund the university but I also think it can mean giving your love to other people,” Warfel said.  

As for Budd, she had a different perspective.  

“I would say that it means a sacrifice made of love, and because I have love for others, I am willing to use my time to benefit someone else when needed,” Budd said.  

Spencer concluded this event, giving thanks to students for taking part and coming together to help the cause.   

“Our donors and alumni give back to our students through donations, hiring our students, volunteering and so much more. We wanted this event to be fun and engaging while also providing an opportunity to thank them,” Spencer said.  

Donations can still be made by visiting EIU’s website. 

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.