EVENT: During The University of Texas at Austin’s sixth annual Thanks Day event, students, faculty members and staffers will honor the 88,000-plus donors who contributed more than $271 million to the university last year.
WHERE: The University of Texas at Austin
Gregory Gym Plaza on campus
2101 Speedway
Austin, TX 78712
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHO: Open to the UT Austin community. Hosted by Students Hooked on Texas.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
If The University of Texas had to rely on tuition and fees alone, it would have to shut down during the first week of November each year.
The purpose of Thanks Day is to educate students and alumni on the university’s funding structure and the importance of philanthropy. With tuition providing less than a quarter of the university’s annual operating budget and state support making up only another 12 percent, the university relies on philanthropy to continue to provide a high quality of education. Contributing to nearly 10 percent of the budget, donations help fill the gaps by funding scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities, faculty recruitment, improved facilities and groundbreaking research.
Thanks Day activities include opportunities for students to sign a Texas-size thank you card and write personal notes of appreciation. Students are also encouraged to participate through social media by posting photos and words of thanks with #UTThanksDay.
