TAMIU Community Posts Philanthropic Success with #GivingTuesday, Penny Wars
Once again, the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) community showed how they go beyond, donating more than $6,500 for scholarships, TAMIU Colleges and Schools, international experiences and more during Giving Tuesday, and more than $2,350 during the Third Annual Penny Wars.
“Not many people realize that our students pay only 18 percent of the total cost of attending TAMIU. The fact that we are able to provide a high-quality education at such an affordable cost is amazing. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who gave during Giving Tuesday and Penny Wars are not only supporting the University, they are also supporting the future of Laredo, South Texas and the world by investing in our students,” said Jackelyne Briseño, TAMIU student philanthropy coordinator.
Started in the fall of 2015, Penny Wars is an annual competition between colleges and schools at TAMIU held every October, typically around Make a Difference Day. The college or school which gathers the most funds wins bragging rights. In the past, donations have benefited general scholarships and the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium. This year, proceeds will go to the TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Engineering Robotics Program and toward buying new music stands for the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.
“We are grateful that Penny Wars has continued to grow tremendously since its beginning in 2015. This year we asked college and school deans to match funds raised by students in their college or school. With the generous help of TAMIU president Pablo Arenaz, Rosanne Palacios vice president for the Office of Institutional Advancement, TAMIU College of Education dean James O’Meara, TAMIU Graduate School dean Jennifer Coronado, TAMIU University College dean Catheryn Weitman and TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences dean Claudia San Miguel, we raised $2,357.38!” said Briseño.
“Penny Wars is great because it helps our students understand that they can make a huge difference on this campus, without being a millionaire or a graduate yet. It teaches us about giving back in a small way and building a community. Together, we are a force for change,” said Briseño.
Matching gifts also made a difference during Giving Tuesday.
“#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that takes place on digital platforms across the globe the day after #CyberMonday,” explained Briseño.
In that one day 132 donors across seven states and two countries donated to the campaign. Of those donors, 44 percent are faculty/staff, 36 percent are alumni, 26 percent are students, eight percent are friends of TAMIU and three percent are parents, according to Briseño.
People donated online and in person at the TAMIU Student Center (SC). Those who visited the SC were encouraged to show their support by taking photos at a photo both. Others who donated online were encouraged to show and share their support on social media and use #FillDustysHat to be a part of a larger community.
For more information, contact Briseño at jackelyne.briseno@tamiu.edu or 956.326.2170, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library 261C.
University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Additional information is available at tamiu.edu/vpia/philanthropy