Beavers Set a Giving Tuesday Record
363 alumni and friends from 27 states join BVU faculty and staff in paying it forward
Giving Tuesday was a great success for Buena Vista University as 363 alumni and friends joined faculty and staff in donating more than $68,000 to support any of 23 causes that range from the Annual Fund to individual sports and activities across campus.
The number of donors and the amount raised both represent Giving Tuesday records for BVU.
“It was so rewarding to see our givers respond to our needs while demonstrating their belief in what we’re doing to educate undergraduate and graduate students on campus, online, and throughout Iowa,” said President Brian Lenzmeier. “To have nearly 70 first-time givers is especially gratifying as those individuals and couples have the sense and that great feeling you get when paying-it-forward for those whose lives are impacted through a BVU education.”
Donations came in from 27 states on and around Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving celebrated by charitable organizations throughout the world. Dozens of BVU donors commemorated the special day by requesting a BVU wrap-around koozie emblazoned with a fun early-2000s Beaver tradition entitled, “Your Mama Ain’t Got No Socks,” an item introduced at the 2023 Homecoming celebration and made part of Giving Tuesday by popular demand.
Kristen Davis, a sophomore from Pocahontas who studies accounting, agricultural business, and business management, was one of 120 students who took the time to write thank you notes to BVU supporters who made gifts on Giving Tuesday. “Giving Tuesday was an amazing celebration,” Davis said. “Donor support funds the scholarships that help me be able to attend BVU, and I love my experience here, everything from my business professors to my classes to being part of our track and field team.”
The passion to give back, which Davis sees at special occasions like Giving Tuesday, prompts her to live out BVU’s mission, “Education for Service.”
“I volunteer whenever people ask because I like the feeling I get when I give back,” she said.
To make your gift, or to see updates on Giving Tuesday and all those who helped support the effort, check out this link.