During the month of February, the Albertus SAA will join over 100 educational institutions worldwide to participate in Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month. The initiative, organized by the Council For Advancement and Support of Education, is designed to increase student understanding of philanthropy and grow engagement on campuses. CASE has sponsored similar initiatives annually since 2013.
Institutions from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other countries will participate throughout the month of February organizing various activities, including “thank-a-thons,” month-long social media campaigns and student video interviews on what giving means to them.
The Albertus SAA will be embarking on a month-long promotion of philanthropy on campus. For the first two weeks of the month “Fact Snacks” (assorted bags of treats like candy or gummies with facts adhered to them) will be distributed all over campus to educate students, faculty and staff about donors and donations to the College and the importance of philanthropy. The second two weeks will feature a student to student fund drive. Students who donate $5 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a prize. All funds collected will be donated to a student in need to support the purchase of books or graduation fees. Students will have the opportunity to apply for these funds and a committee of their peers will determine the awards.
Carolyn Behan Kraus ’86, Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations says, “One of the many benefits of participating in Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month is the opportunity for our students to learn, from their peers, about the generosity of our alumni and friends. By calling attention to gifts of endowed scholarships, campus buildings and equipment, and program sponsorship, students can directly relate to the opportunities afforded to them by our generous donors. We hope that they too, are one day moved by the same spirit of generosity and give back to the College.”
CASE provides programming, services and resources in advancement, including fundraising and alumni relations, for students and advisers at student alumni associations, student foundations and similar organizations at colleges and universities that are members of CASE’s Affiliated Student Advancement Programs. Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month is part of CASE’s goal to foster and enhance student involvement in all areas of advancement—including fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing.
“It’s important that students start taking steps to become the next group of philanthropic leaders,” says Rob Henry, CASE’s executive director of emerging constituencies. “Throughout the entire month of February, we celebrate the value students bring to their institutions with their time, talent and treasure.”
About SAA
Overseen by the Office of Alumni Relations, the Albertus Student Alumni Association was started in spring of 2012 and has since been voted Organization of the Year twice by their peers. The SAA’s mission is to uphold long standing traditions of the College as well as start new ones. In 2013 they began the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which was voted Program of the Year by their peers in 2014 and they also support Reunion each year.
About CASE
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a professional association serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals who work on their behalf in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing and allied areas.