Dishing Out Love to Donors This Week

There are many different types of people who support Utah State monetarily: alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and more. We love every group for the unique ways in which they affect USU’s success:

• As alumni, you give back by donating time, money or experiences to our university and its students. In addition, you give Utah State a good name by using the marketable skills and knowledge you developed while in school at your workplaces and in your homes.

• Faculty and staff have dedicated their careers to teaching our students and providing opportunities for them to succeed. They've spent countless hours preparing and producing quality curriculum and programs for students.

• Students can give back through the True Blue pledge. More importantly, USU would not be the great institution it is without hardworking, devoted students who use their ingenuity and intent to acquire well-earned degrees.

• Parents support their students as they learn and grow at USU. They can support systems like the Merrill-Cazier Library, which serves as a valuable learning environment for every student on campus.

We recognize that many Alumni fit into several of these categories. Because of your unfailing support of this institution, we would like to say thank you, once again.

The relocation of the Block A was made possible by USU donors

This week, February 25-27, is Love-A-Donor week. Every day we thank a different group of our supporters:

      

February 25th - Celebrate Faculty and Staff - Send words of love and appreciation to faculty members who go above and beyond the call of duty! The Student Alumni Association will also be giving a small gift to these wonderful individuals. 

February 26th - Celebrate Alumni - Say thank-you to those who have come before! On this day, the alumni population will receive a powerful video via email from our student population saying thank you for the generosity of all our giving alumni.

February 27th - Celebrate Students - Many students give of their time, talents and treasures to USU. On this day, the Student Alumni Association will recognize all of those types of donors. If you have given the True Blue Pledge stop by the Alumni House from 11 – 1 PM for your swag, “A” license plate waiver, (if you have not already done so) and a cookie! If you haven't participated in the pledge, please stop by if you'd like to become “True Blue” yourself.

You are also invited to participate in a campus-wide social media competition during Love-A-Donor week. During the week, we encourage you to post pictures of yourself thanking a donor. You could write a note to a professor who donates, cook dinner for an Aggie alumni family member, or do the dishes for your roommate who has given the true blue pledge. Show your appreciation however you would like.

Be creative, and use the hashtag #usugivesback. At the end of the week, Alumni Association staff will examine the entries and the winning photo will be recognized on many Utah State University social media channels. The winner will also receive one use of the David B. Haight Alumni Center, free of charge.

Whichever group you're a part of, know that we love and appreciate you. Thank you!

There's More to the Student Opportunity Fund Than You Realize

Each student at Utah State University has a unique story and purpose for attending our school. Many students are happy to explain the impact scholarships have on their educational experiences. 

One of these scholarships is the Student Opportunity Fund, sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, or CHaSS. This scholarship allows students in the college to keep the dream of completing a higher education within reach. It has helped both of these students achieve their educational goals.


SYMONE CALDWELL

“Me and my family are currently below the poverty line. For me, for what I want to do in my life and my life goals, college is the only way for me to get there. For me to attend college and have funding to go to college, makes a difference in my life.”

“Thank you for investing in me. I really do appreciate it. You’re the reason that I’m here, and I hope to live on your legacy.”

 SAMUEL ABBOTT

“My choice to be a history major was based on a really good professor, it matched my interests, and it’s something that I’m easily motivated to do.”

“I’m a Hubbard Family Scholar, and that means I've expressed excellence in both writing and environmentalism. This scholarship has given me a lot of extra time, and it also gives me motivation. When I know I’m working on someone else’s dollar I put a lot more effort into it.”

Thank you for supporting students at USU so generously with your time, talents and donations. There are many ways to continue that support; so much more than giving money. Getting involved in your community helps spread the Aggie legacy of service, and keeps the Aggie spirit alive in many cities and countries. 

Utah State is about more than education. It's about an experience of learning and serving and growing. 

How has your education helped you better serve your community? 

New Year of Gratitude

A new year seems to bring with it reflection and resolution. As we look back on this year, a major part of who we are at USU and what we are able to do is made possible by our alumni. And as an Alumni Association, we have resolved to be more grateful this year for your vital and substantial contributions, whether they come in the form of volunteered time, monetary donations or alumni involvement.

Your contributions have helped us make incredible strides, and for that, we are sincerely grateful.

The support you've given has created scholarships, expanded educational opportunities, strengthened Aggie networks and given students resources they need to succeed.

Your volunteer involvement with USU, as board members, mentors, guest speakers and more, has also strengthened the value of our students' education and their entire Aggie experience.

USU students who have benefited from your contributions 

Your unwavering loyalty to Utah State makes our students feel proud to be Aggies. Our athletes, artists, musicians, engineers, biologists, journalists, and more say “thank you” for your support of their education and ambitions.

We’re excited to see what 2015 will bring.

Aggie Rewards: Earn prizes and support USU at the same time

You can be one of the first to start using Utah State University's new rewards program.

It's called AGGIE REWARDS, and you can download it HERE.

Make sure you have Aggie Rewards on your computer before you do any holiday shopping online this year. If you do, every time you purchase something from a preferred Aggie Rewards retailer (i.e. Amazon, Walmart, Kohl's, Groupon, HP and over 2,000 more) a portion goes to USU, and it doesn't cost you anything extra. Not only that, but you earn points for both those purchases and for completing online 'quests' that can be redeemed for some incredible prizes, like two tickets to all the Mountain West Conference home basketball games this season.

Sound like a good deal? That's because it is. It's free, fun and easy. So why wait any longer? Sign up today and start earning prizes.