EVENT: University of Texas at Austin students will have an opportunity to say “thank you” to the more than 271,000 donors who gave $3.12 billion during the Campaign for Texas at the university’s fifth annual “Thanks Day.”
WHERE: The University of Texas at Austin
2101 Speedway
Austin, TX 78712
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHO: Hosted by Students Hooked on Texas
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The purpose of the event is to educate University of Texas students about UT’s funding structure and the importance of philanthropy in the university’s ability to provide high quality education to students and conduct groundbreaking research.
If the university relied solely on funding from tuition and fees, it would not be able to operate past the first quarter of the school year. The remaining three-fourths of the budget comes from a variety of sources including taxpayers, state revenue, research grants, private donations and more. About 10 percent of total funding comes from donations alone.
Thanks Day activities will include opportunities for students to sign a giant “thank you” card and write notes of appreciation to the donors who support the university. Students may also participate remotely through social media by posting photos and words of thanks by using #UTThanksDay.
Students and alumni are encouraged to share stories on the UT Thanks Day Web page (http://giving.utexas.edu/how-to-give/students-hooked-on-texas/thanks-day/) to be published during and after the event.
The Tower will be lighted that evening in celebration of the Campaign for Texas, which exceeded its goal and raised $3.12 billion before it ended on Aug. 31, and in honor and appreciation for its many generous donors.
