By Sarah Adamy
Nicola Anderson has been a member of Student Government, a resident adviser and an ardent Patriot for four years. This spring, the senior also made her first financial gift to Mason as part of the Patriots for Patriots student giving campaign.
“A lot of people think you don’t give back until you’ve graduated, until you have a lot of money, but the little gifts count, too,” Anderson says. “I give back to my school because I’m trying to improve it now.”
The campaign organized by the Office of Annual Giving educates students about the importance of private philanthropy.
Patriots for Patriots will sponsor the second annual Funds Are Fried Day on Thursday, March 22, to mark the point during the academic year when tuition dollars are “fried” and state and private support cover costs. According to Mason’s budget office, students’ tuition covers only 62 percent of the total cost of attending Mason this year.
The event takes place on the North Plaza near the clock from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During that time, students are invited to make a gift to the Mason program or office of their choice. Funds Are Fried Day will also feature music from WGMU Radio, funnel cakes, T-shirts, a photo booth and information on philanthropy.
The campaign is expected to exceed last year’s results after strong preview events at Homecoming and the men’s basketball game on Feb. 14. According to program coordinator Claire Forman, the response shows how deeply Mason students care about the university.
“We want students to understand the role private philanthropy plays in higher education and that they have a stake in the future of their university,” Forman says.
So far, nearly 350 students have made a gift to Mason this year. Here’s how the classes stand:
- Class of 2015, 124 participants
- Class of 2012, 79 participants
- Class of 2013, 72 participants
- Class of 2014, 62 participants
- Graduate students and individuals from the Class of 2016, six participants
Patriots for Patriots is also coordinating efforts with the campaign in honor of President Alan Merten and his wife, Sally. Students who make a gift in honor of the Mertens will be listed in a commemorative book that will be presented to the couple this spring.
Students can also make a gift online.
More information about future events can be found on the Student Giving website.