With students bustling about the Summerville and downtown Health Sciences campuses of Augusta University, Augusta Gives was promoted with tabling, free food and a 360 degree photo booth.
On Wednesday morning, March 22, student volunteers gathered to engage others in the excitement of becoming a future alumnus.
“It’s a day of giving back, and we’re engaging all of our students, faculty, staff, employees – all of our alumni and donors across the CSRA and abroad,” said Wes Zamzow, executive director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. “We’re utilizing this one day of energy for folks to give back to Augusta University in any shape or form.”
Since Augusta Gives is virtual, donors are able to support the college’s programs and areas that most resonate with donors, and supporters are invited to follow campaign progress on the website – augustagives.com
“You can give to your passion,” said Zamzow. “If you’ve got something you’re passionate about, we’ve got it at Augusta University – from supporting our students with scholarships, to giving our patients excellent care and all the other programs that take place.”
The fourth annual Augusta Gives campaign raised nearly $1.4 million from over 780 donors for Augusta University.
“This was my first experience with Augusta Gives as the university’s chief philanthropy officer, and I was excited about what we could accomplish together – in just one day,” said Brandon McCray, vice president for development in Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
As students advance in their schooling at Augusta University, Zamzow said it was important to teach students about the process of giving back, so when they are alumns they know how to reinvest in an institution that gives others a chance for higher education.
“Our alums are very important to us; they are the ones out there promoting Augusta University, our brand, and the integrity of the degrees they received,” he said. “There’s a lot invested in this, so we want others to raise the flag as well … just creating that awareness.”
Activities during the day included coin wars by student groups, intercampus competitions to earn bonus funding and power hours dedicated to specific academic, athletic and health care areas.
Among the student volunteers for the event were this year’s university homecoming royalty who were competing amongst themselves to see who could raise the most money.
“Today’s event is important because it gets students involved in giving back, which helps promote school pride,” said Homecoming King and junior Kalyb Bussey. “It also teaches the student body that giving back is not about making a $1000 investment; it can be a couple of dollars or even a penny here and there. It all really makes a difference if everybody gets involved.”
After graduating, Bussey said students should continue to care about the university’s environment and standards by giving back, because it helps pave the way to an even better institution for future students.
“The funds that [the royalty] are raising today will all go towards the Paws Pantry, which collects food donations and gives to students in need,” said Bussey. “So it’s a little bit of competition today, a little bit of fun and a whole lot of giving.”
According to a press release, the goal of Augusta Gives is to engage the community, alumni, friends, donors, retirees, employees and students to give at any level to impact projects within Augusta University’s colleges, units, health system and athletics programs. This year’s target for donors was 750, which was surpassed, coming in at 786 as of March 23.
“It has been amazing to watch as individual gifts from community members, alumni, business partners, our student groups and athletes, and our faculty and staff began to build momentum and grow throughout the day,” McCray said. “Augusta Gives helps to boost scholarships, athletics, academics, research, health care, innovation and other vital programs at Augusta University, and we are beyond grateful for this overwhelming support.”
Learn more about Augusta Gives and other ways to support Augusta University.
