This year, the Ramapo College Foundation has joined #GivingTuesday, a global movement that “harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide,” according to a press release. #GivingTuesday was started by the 92nd Street YMCA in New York City, and is now run by the #GivingTuesday organization. It is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, in order to kick off the holiday season in a truly giving spirit. According to the College’s press release, the school believes #GivingTuesday is effective in “inspiring people to collaborate in helping their local communities and to give back to the charities and causes they support.”
Any institution or organization taking part in #GivingTuesday takes a pledge to reach a fundraising goal by a given date. The Foundation has pledged to raise no less than $31,000 in 31 days, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, in support of the College’s Annual Fund. At the time of writing, $8,224 have been raised for the 2015-2016 fund, money which will go toward the funding of “student scholarships, faculty research grants and special campus projects,” according to Ramapo’s website.
“Something that many people often forget is that Ramapo, like other state colleges, are non-profit organizations that play a huge role in a lot of people’s lives; from allowing students to further their education to working with its students and professors to produce research to expand fields of study. Unfortunately, the rising cost of higher education makes it more and more financially difficult for both students and for the university. The generosity by donors to help the college’s annual fund is a great thing, and can help give opportunities for students and the college to continue to expand the field of higher education,” Brandon Smith, a junior, stated in an interview Wednesday.
Students, faculty and others who are interested in joining Ramapo’s #GivingTuesday initiative are invited to join the conversation at #RamapoGives. Anyone is encouraged to spread the word by sharing their support on social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“I am grateful for the generosity of our donors who believe in Ramapo students and who invest in our potential,” writes junior Megan Patel, student governor of the Ramapo College Foundation, in the press release. “The #GivingTuesday initiative is one of the best ways to celebrate giving and highlight Ramapo’s mission and values.”
Cristina Horuzy, a sophomore, also commented on Ramapo’s pledge: “It is nice to see that the school is exerting effort towards trying to help students financially. Their pledge shows that they really care about their students and are providing opportunities for us to earn money to put towards our education.”
lheckelm@ramapo.edu
