Michigan State University this week will participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of philanthropy that kicks off the charitable season by encouraging individuals, communities and organizations around the world to come together to celebrate and encourage giving.
This year, MSU’s Giving Tuesday efforts will benefit the Emergency Assistance Scholarship Fund. When an unexpected hardship threatens a student’s ability to continue paying his or her tuition, fees and housing costs, the Emergency Assistance Scholarship provides financial support and resources to those who may have no other options.
Alumna and MSU Alumni Association employee Lisa Parker knows what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet during college. As a student, she worked three jobs to cover her expenses, and worried, at times, that wouldn’t be enough. A fund like the Emergency Assistance Scholarship would’ve been there to help her if she needed it.
This fall, when she heard the fund was running low, and that financially struggling students may have nowhere to turn for help, she was spurred into action. Thanks to her $10,000 challenge gift, every dollar raised for the fund, up to $10,000, will be matched on Giving Tuesday.
“This fund is a lifeline for our most vulnerable students, who find themselves unable to cover tuition costs due to unforeseen circumstances like the death of a parent, loss of a job, illness and loss of a home,” Parker said. “As is tradition, MSU makes a point to enroll students based on academic potential over economic background, so it is crucial this fund be replenished.”
Spartans are also invited to join the Giving Tuesday movement on social media by posting a “Spartan Unselfie.” Participants are encouraged to list the ways they give back to their school, snap a self-portrait with the list and post it on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #SpartanUnselfie and #GivingTuesMSU.
To contribute to MSU’s Giving Tuesday cause, learn more about the Emergency Assistance Scholarship Fund or download the printable template for a Spartan Unselfie, visit http://givingto.msu.edu/giving-tuesday.cfm.