A new organization on campus hopes to teach its members more about fundraising while helping the OCU community.
The Philanthropy Committee was formed earlier this year as a way to educate students about the importance of giving back to the university. The committee will do this by fundraising and planning events.
“We’re focusing on the importance of donating not just your money, but your time and how that will come back to help you,” said Paty Lopez, theatre design and production junior and student engagement coordinator for development. “Because a good reputation for your university is a good reputation for your degree which makes your degree more valuable.”
The idea for philanthropy committee came out of the success of last year’s senior gift. The class of 2015 raised nearly $2,000 in $15 donations and voted to use it toward scholarships.
We wanted to continue giving to the campus, but on a wider spectrum, said Lopez.
Anybody can join the organization. The goal is to have a committee that is representative of the campus as a whole, Lopez said.
Lopez is meeting one-on-one with anyone interested in joining.
I am trying to get an idea of what aspect of the committee each person is most interested in such as fundraising or educating, Lopez said. The committee is starting to set goals and brainstorm events and campaigns.
One event already planned is “tag day.” Items around campus will be labeled with the person or foundation that donated the money for it. This makes it easier for students to see where money from donors is going, Lopez said.
“We have this tendency to think the money is just being spent on the most random things, but it’s not, Lopez said. “All the donor money is used to further our education.”
The idea is getting support from some students.
“It’s important for us as students to understand how donation money is impacting our experience and education on campus,” said Celia Tedde, music theater and vocal performance freshman.
The committee is a good model for any philanthropic effort, said Lopez.
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