Roadrunners show gratitude, power of giving on Thanks Day

Oct. 15, 2019 — Showing gratitude and building awareness about the impact of gifts to the university are at the heart of one unique UTSA Homecoming event. Thanks Day will be celebrated today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sombrilla Plaza on Main Campus. 

Hosted by the Roadrunner Student Alumni Association, Office of Annual Giving and the Alumni Association, this event gives students, faculty and staff an opportunity to express thanks to the many donors who support the university each year. Participants write notes on an oversize thank you card that is later displayed at alumni and other community events throughout the year. 

Then the participants enjoy a cupcake or other sweet treat to celebrate Homecoming. 

“With about 70% of UTSA students eligible for financial aid each year,” said Gage A. Martin ’22, president of the Roadrunner Student Alumni Association, “giving from alumni, faculty, staff, the community and even other students helps ensure that a UTSA education is affordable and that students have access to great programs for learning and personal development.” 

“If the university relied on tuition alone,” Martin continued, “it would have to cease operating in early November this semester, so gifts and grants are vital to our success. We want to say thank you to the people who support us because they are really making great things possible for UTSA students and our community.” 

In addition to saying thanks, the event will give faculty and staff who are also alumni an opportunity to make their gift for the Come Home: 1,000 Donors by Homecoming initiative, a challenge extended by the Alumni Association and Office of Annual Giving to reach a giving milestone earlier than normal. 

⇒ Make a gift to the Come Home: 1,000 Donors by Homecoming challenge.
⇒ Explore Thanks Day and other Homecoming events.

“We want our students and faculty to have access to financial resources that are critical for their success as early as possible this year,” said Steve Woodall, interim executive director of the Alumni Association. “We are challenging all the alumni to give back before Oct. 20 so we can celebrate their generosity this Homecoming.” 

Donations can benefit any area at the university, including the Roadrunner Pantry, the UTSA Libraries, athletics, student affairs or any of the colleges and academic programs. Donors of $10 or more at the event will receive a gift as a token of appreciation for their support. 

The Roadrunner Student Alumni Association is a sponsored student organization with a mission to educate the next generation of UTSA alumni about the impact of giving to university and staying involved. The Office of Annual Giving builds financial resources for the university and encourages alumni, faculty, staff and the community to support UTSA through giving each year. The UTSA Alumni Association serves and engages Roadrunner alumni to foster their lifelong connection to the university. The association leads a growing Roadrunner Nation that is loud, proud and rowdy.

— Heather Green

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