AUSTIN, Texas The University of Texas at Austin invites alumni, students, faculty members, staffers and friends to rally during its 40 Hours for the Forty Acres fundraising campaign on Wednesday, April 8, through Thursday, April 9.
“40 for Forty” brought in more than $125,000 in 2014, its inaugural year. It aims to raise $140,000 in its second year through online contributions and fundraising activities across campus.
It will kick off at 4 a.m. on April 8 and run through 8 p.m. on April 9.
With state general revenue funding making up just 12 percent of the university’s budget, philanthropy has become an increasingly critical part of the university’s financial picture. It funds many scholarships to students who otherwise would not be able to attend college and supports top-notch faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and hands-on opportunities.
During the 40 hours, alumni and students are encouraged to support any programs and initiatives at UT that are important to them, whether that’s a specific college or school, a research project, the arts, or student activities.
“Last year, the ’40 for Forty’ campaign really helped catalyze the LBJ School alumni community. Participating in this university-wide event allowed us to provide fellowship funds for an incoming student,” says Carolyn Miles Garber, director of development at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
A student event will be held on the Main Mall on campus on Thursday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 40 student organizations and governing bodies will join the effort.
The 40 Hours for the Forty Acres initiative aims to establish an annual tradition among the Longhorn community to come together to support the university.
“Giving back to the university that afforded me so many opportunities and set me on a path for success in life is something I view as a responsibility and a calling,” says Jennifer Waisath Harris, BA ’95 and MA ’02. “Regardless of how small or big the donation, we can make a big impact together.”
To get involved with 40 Hours for the Forty Acres or to make a gift, visit 40for40.utexas.edu or follow UT Austin on Facebook or Twitter.
