Today is National Philanthropy Day, “the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities and our world.” (From: http://www.afpnet.org/content.cfm?ItemNumber=4032)

In recognition of this special occasion, Rice University has decided to honor the day in a BIG WAY by celebrating it for an entire week. That’s how it’s done in Texas!

In a recent visit to campus, I had the pleasure of meeting Pascal Dalton, the Associate Director of the Rice University Annual Fund. Rice University celebrates National Philanthropy Day (and has for the past three years) with a week’s worth of activities that enable students to learn more about the impact of giving to Rice as well as how much of an impact philanthropy has on the student experience at the institution. According to Dalton, “Philanthropy made Rice University what it is.”

Some highlights:

• Thank You Note Stations are strategically located across campus so that students have the chance to author a personal thank you to a donor. The goal this year is for students to write at least 700 thank you notes.
• A Panel discussion is taking place on campus that includes a student, parent representative, and faculty representative talking about the impact of philanthropy.
• A Video of students on campus discussing what philanthropy means to them.
• Signage across campus with facts and figures about the impact of philanthropy.
• T-shirt making and distribution.

On this special day, how can you help educate students at your institution about the importance and impact of giving back?