by Rebecca Hightower
The University of West Georgia community includes over 60,000 alumni, 12,000 students and 1100 faculty and staff. On Thursday, October 15, join the global community of West Georgians for an exciting day of giving back, connecting, and live events during the annual A Day to Give West campaign.
A Day is a day for members of the UWG community, far and wide, to celebrate the university’s success. In fiscal year 2014-2015, UWG community members contributed more than $750,000 in cash gifts to the UWG Annual Fund, providing scholarships, laboratory equipment, recreational activities, and other initiatives and programs for the university’s schools, colleges, and athletic teams.
“Our local businesses are valuable to all that we do at UWG – they support us in so many ways,” explained UWG’s Director of Annual Giving Jada Marcum. “We are excited to have A Day co-chaired this year by alumni and local business leaders April Harris, owner of the Squire Shop, and Stuart Campbell of Southwire, Inc.”
In the Community
A Day volunteers will be canvassing the downtown area businesses picking up annual donations and pledges and reaching out to those who have donated gifts to say “Thank you” with red and blue balloons. All alumni are asked to wear their UWG gear and encourage others to make a gift and support west - alumni participation exemplifies the power of collective giving.
Online
This year UWG is including a new way to give to A Day - an online giving opportunity harnessing the power of social media. Students, alumni, parents, and friends around the world are encouraged to share their support of UWG by using the hashtags #OneWest and #OnePower on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and switch their cover and profile photos to their favorite UWG photo.
Student Challenge
The power of a gift, no matter the size, can change lives, and this year, students will be asked to lead the way on A Day with their own challenge – the #OneWest #OnePower campaign. Each student is being asked to give $1. Imagine, the impact $12,800 will make in the lives of students! The student organizations will compete in the #OneWest Spirit Award by uploading a one minute or less video to the UWG Facebook page of why they give to show their UWG pride!
The generosity of donors is a vital resource for UWG’s continued operation and growth, helping UWG continue its commitment to being the best place to work, learn, and succeed.
To find out how you can volunteer for ADAY, and to learn more about the impact each gift can make, please visit giving.westga.edu.
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