BY: Jaycie Dodd
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark — The University of Arkansas College of Engineering kicked off their Giving Day.
Coined ’50 for our Future’ is a two-day fundraiser with the goal to raise $50,000 for each engineering department. The money raised will be used by each department based on students needs.
Senior Director of Development and External Relations for the College of Engineering, Bill Lansden, said he got the idea from his previous job at Virginia Tech.
“We put on a similar type of initiative to raise money for the students.” said Lansden. “So, we decided to look at implementing something similar for engineering students during COVID-19.”
Lansden said they were able to find a generous donor for each department who would match donations up to $25,000 raised.
“I think it’s just a fact that the alums know they are contributing to help the current students at the University.”
The website launched at 7AM on September 15th and will end at 5PM on September 16th.
“They will have access tomorrow to start allocating money where they deem necessary.” Said Lansden.
The funds can go toward buying new laptops for virtual learning, or in some cases classroom supplies to aid faculty while teaching remotely.
“We are confident that our alumni are getting the message and they will step up to the challenge.”
To donate visit https://fundrazor.uark.edu/project/21666