Giving Joy Day Delivers

Once again, donors make EWU’s annual giving event a success.

This year’s Giving Joy Day, the tenth installment of Eastern’s celebratory service and philanthropy event, saw Eagles from across the nation make over 400 gifts to support dozens of university funds.

By day’s end, the university had raised more than $400,000 for student scholarships, aid programs and other university priorities, says Linda Safford, senior director for annual giving.

At the center of the festivities was an event at Eastern’s PUB, where Kelsey Hatch-Brecek, director of alumni relations, led a gathering of students, faculty and staff who shared stories of donors’ impact.

President Shari McMahan also addressed the event, highlighting how Eastern has always been a place of access and opportunity. “We transform lives, that is the bottom line,” she told the crowd. “And these generous donations might mean a student can stay in school, access an internship and feel a sense of belonging.”

ASEWU Vice President Johnny Curtis confirmed the role scholarships play in the success of students like him. “I can say with complete honesty that without the support of donors and fundraising efforts, I would not be standing here preparing to graduate this June.”

This year’s Giving Joy come as the university enters its eighth year of its ongoing “Build Our Future: the Campaign for Eastern” fundraising effort. The $100 million comprehensive campaign, EWU’s first-ever, is aimed at positioning Eastern to ensure its students succeed in ways that sustain vibrant, prosperous communities. Thanks to the donors’ generosity thus far, the Build Our Future campaign has received contributions totaling more than $86 million toward its goal.

Miss your chance to join in the Joy? Visit ewu.edu/give to learn how you can help.