VCU news

VCU Alumni, the VCU Office of Donor Relations and Events and Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (VCU’s student alumni organization) will partner April 29 to host the university’s second annual TAG Day as part of Philanthropy Week, April 26-30. 

To demonstrate the impact of private philanthropy on the university, special tags 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, sports and art-making equipment, beloved professors and more. 

VCU student Mehak Chopra, director of philanthropy for Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow, said she hopes the event prompts fellow students to appreciate the value of even the smallest gifts to support the university.

“Being a student at VCU, I have experienced the impact of philanthropy in my own life, and I have seen that private giving can shape the lives of the students, improving their college experience significantly,” she said. “Philanthropy Week is a chance to bring all students together, to help them realize the impact of generous giving and sowing the seeds of humanity and integrity in them by educating them to give back to VCU.” 

Members of Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow will be at the Compass on the Monroe Park Campus and Patterson Memorial Garden on the MCV Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29. Students can participate in socially distanced activities that show how private philanthropy has enriched their VCU experience. All students who complete a virtual scavenger hunt and Thank A Giver day activity, either virtually or in person, will receive a T-shirt or mask.

“Even though we have only been able to see one other primarily virtually over the [past] year, we want to take this opportunity to bring awareness to private giving and take the time to thank students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have given back to VCU,” said Allison Toney, director of student and alumni engagement for VCU Alumni. “The virtual scavenger hunt is a great way to learn more about how philanthropy has impacted our campus.”

TAG Day is the centerpiece of Philanthropy Week, which celebrates the impact alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students make through private gifts to the university. Other activities throughout the week will include a virtual bingo-themed philanthropy trivia game with prizes; Ramadition Tuesday, when students can participate in VCU traditions to earn prizes; Why Give Wednesday, when students learn about the importance of philanthropic support; and a Friday event in Monroe Park when students can meet STAT members and learn how they can make a difference now.

“Private philanthropy can literally change the life of a student. It makes a tremendous difference in their lives, contributing to their academic success 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.”