Tag Day to highlight the impact of private philanthropy at VCU

‘An event like Tag Day visibly demonstrates to our campus community the generosity of students, staff, faculty, families and community members.’

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A person in a black T-shirt hangs a yellow arrow sign on a wall.
VCU student Thomas Layman hangs tags on campus. (Courtesy photo)

The VCU Office of Alumni Relations and VCU’s student alumni association, Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, will partner on April 24 to host the university’s inaugural Tag Day.

To demonstrate the impact of private philanthropy on the university, special tags will be posted on buildings, study spaces, rooms and other facilities across the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. The goal is to show students that even if they haven’t received a scholarship or other award, their personal experience at Virginia Commonwealth University has still been affected by giving — whether it’s to support a named classroom or lab, the James Branch Cabell Library, a piece of sports or art-making equipment or even a favorite professor.

VCU student Thomas Layman, director of philanthropy for the STAT Leadership Council, said he hopes the event prompts fellow students to appreciate the value of even the smallest gifts to support the university.

“I’m sure most students have taken regularly used resources for granted, not realizing that places like the Cabell basement, the engineering and business school atriums, auditoriums and much more would not be here today if it weren’t for donations by students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and corporate partners,” Layman said. “Hopefully, this event will help students begin to understand just how far a small gift of even $20 can go.”

STAT members will be at the Compass from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Larrick Student Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where students can take part in activities that show how private philanthropy has enriched their VCU experience and earn a Tag Day T-shirt. Students also can go find the “tagged” buildings using a virtual map that highlights the locations, take photos there and share them on Instagram with #TAGVCU for the chance to win a $200 gift card to RamTech.

“We are excited to showcase both the generosity of our donors and the opportunities it has created for students at VCU,” said Connor Smith, assistant director of outreach and engagement — student philanthropy in the Office of Alumni Relations. “We encourage all members of the campus community to stop by, learn more and participate in the activities.”

Tag Day is the centerpiece of VCU Alumni’s Philanthropy Week April 22-26, which celebrates the impact alumni, friends, faculty, staff, caregivers and students make through private gifts to the university. Other activities throughout the week include the annual Marquita Aguilar Walk-A-Thon, which raises scholarship funds for rising juniors and seniors at VCU. Students can register with a donation amount of their choice and enjoy a walk around Monroe Park led by Rodney the Ram and The Peppas, followed by lunch and door prizes.

“Private philanthropy makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, contributing to their success in the classroom and creating opportunities to participate in meaningful co-curricular activities,” said Charles Klink, Ph.D., senior vice provost for student affairs. “An event like Tag Day visibly demonstrates to our campus community the generosity of students, staff, faculty, families and community members. We are excited to have this event on our campus raising students’ awareness of philanthropy.”