The first-ever Vanderbilt Giving Day, planned for April 21, will be a 24-hour campaign that draws alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and fans together to advance the mission of the university. Giving Day — which begins at midnight on April 21 and lasts until 11:59 p.m. Central time — presents an opportunity for the entire university community to come together and support Vanderbilt while establishing a new Commodore tradition.
“[rquote]Giving Day is all about participating in the Vanderbilt community, no matter where you are.[/rquote] Those on campus can join the festivities live, and alumni and fans across the world will be an important part of the day, too,” said Kyle McGowan, assistant vice chancellor for annual giving. “This single day allows us all to band together to impact Vanderbilt’s future.”
From creating scholarships for deserving students to enhancing technologies that drive discoveries, Giving Day will provide countless opportunities for Vanderbilt students, faculty, researchers and the wider campus to educate, discover and lead.
A goal of 4,200 gifts has been set for the inaugural Giving Day, which will account for the single largest donor participation day in Vanderbilt history. Gifts of any size to any area of Vanderbilt will count as a Giving Day contribution. A large contingent of volunteer leaders called “Giving Day Ambassadors” will advocate for the university and encourage others to participate.
The theme, Give for the Gold, will extend the celebratory and spirited nature of the day. Campus icons and Vanderbilt landmarks as well as university websites and social media will all be “turning gold” to visibly mark the day’s significance.
“Traditions are a meaningful part of the Vanderbilt experience. Vanderbilt’s new Giving Day tradition is a fun way to bring the entire Vanderbilt family together,” said Carroll Kimball, Vanderbilt Board of Trust member. “It’s really a day dedicated to showing your support for Vanderbilt—and encouraging friends to do the same.”
For more information on Vanderbilt Giving Day, visit vu.edu/givingday and follow #give4thegold on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Participate in Vanderbilt Giving Day