TU’s Giving Day raised thousands for student-led groups, empowering diverse initiatives.
The University of Tulsa’s annual Giving Day took place on Tuesday, April 8, and this year’s 24-hour fundraising challenge carried extra weight, especially for student organizations hit hard by budget cuts earlier in the year. Despite financial hurdles that left many organizations with limited resources, student groups rallied support from alumni, students, families and friends, raising over $5,000 collectively. Giving Day, a long-standing tradition at TU, is designed to encourage the university’s extended community to give back and invest in the future of the institution. This year, the theme of resilience was brought to the forefront as student organizations worked tirelessly to promote their causes. With over a dozen student groups participating, the atmosphere on campus was electric with social media campaigns and peer-to-peer outreach bringing visibility to each organization’s goals. As donations steadily flowed in, many organizations were able to breathe a sigh of relief, with donations allowing them to continue annual traditions, plan for upcoming events and continue their work within the broader Tulsa community.
One of the standout successes was Every Campus a Refuge, a group dedicated to supporting individuals of refugee backgrounds both at TU and in the greater Tulsa area. ECAR aimed to raise between $300 and $500 but ended up surpassing their goal, collecting a total of $520. “We were very pleased to meet our goal, and it was heart-warming to see how many people wanted to support us in whichever way they could,” said Ella McHenry, president of TU’s ECAR chapter. McHenry went on to explain, “The contributions from Giving Day will give us the opportunity to purchase supplies for our bi-weekly meetings, host dinners catered by local businesses, and collaborate with other student organizations to put on cultural and religious events.”
Another organization that saw significant support was the Hurricane Rocketry Club, fundraising under the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The group raised $1,120 in funds that will go toward travel expenses for their upcoming international competition this summer, as well as future outreach initiatives in the Tulsa area.
Other student groups also benefited from Giving Day, using the opportunity to reconnect with alumni and supporters, while raising awareness of their unique missions. Many clubs received not just financial support, but a renewed sense of encouragement from the TU community. As the university continues to navigate changing financial landscapes, Giving Day has become more than just a fundraiser. It is a vital opportunity for student-led initiatives to receive both a platform for their message and substantial financial support. With over $5,000 raised in a single day, TU has once again proven that even in challenging times, community support can make a world of difference.
