VCU news

By Kristen Caldwell
Office of Development and Alumni Relations

The university’s third annual Philanthropy Week kicks off April 25 with daily activities to celebrate the generosity of donors, while building awareness and a culture of philanthropy on campus.

One of the more visible signs of Philanthropy Week are special tags that will be posted on buildings and other spaces 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. Private giving, for example, supports classroom and lab spaces, the James Branch Cabell Library, art-making and sports equipment, beloved professors and more. 

VCU student Taylor Booker, director of philanthropy for the student alumni organization Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, said she hopes Philanthropy Week prompts fellow students to appreciate the value of even the smallest gifts to support the university.

“In my first year as director of philanthropy for STAT, I have gained great insight into the significance of giving back,” she said. “Philanthropy Week is a great opportunity to spread the importance of giving back across the entire campus. By spreading awareness about philanthropy, students have a chance at becoming a VCU donor and contributing to the cycle of giving. To me, philanthropy involves contributing your time and resources for the community's common good. With everyone contributing just a small amount, big things can be accomplished.” 

Thank a Giver Day, on April 27, is the centerpiece of Philanthropy Week, offering students the opportunity to share their gratitude with the university’s supporters. The following day, the spotlight shifts to the inaugural VCU Giving Day, when the university community comes together for a 24-hour fundraiser to support the causes they’re most passionate about at VCU. For both days, members of Students Today Alumni Tomorrow will be at The Compass on the Monroe Park Campus and at the Patterson Memorial Garden on the MCV Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with activities for students to show and share how private philanthropy has enriched their VCU experience.

“Philanthropy Week is an important campus tradition that brings awareness to private giving and thanks students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have given to VCU,” said Allison Toney, director of student and alumni engagement for VCU Alumni. “Most importantly, the week highlights to students the importance of ‘paying it forward’ as part of the greater VCU community.”