TAMIU Students Generate Over $35,000 for Student Scholarships

The impact a student can make after graduating from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) can create a lasting effect impacting students for years to come, as demonstrated by the efforts of the University’s Student Philanthropy Council (SPC). 

Through their efforts, the student-led organization helped generate $14,964 in donations from 637 donors in 2018. During the past three years, the campaign’s donor total has steadily increased, climbing to 1,462 donors and $35,662  in funds raised.

Initially kicked off in 2016 by TAMIU’s SPC and the Office of Institutional Advancement, the Class Giving Campaign offers graduating students the opportunity to “pay it forward” by making a $25 donation, often made by students during the week leading up to the University’s annual Commencement Exercises. To celebrate their commitment to the future of the University, students are also awarded a philanthropy cord worn at Commencement.

“Students understand the importance of scholarships and how they alleviate financial stress, thus the inaugural 2015-16 Student Philanthropy Council cohort decided to create this opportunity for current and future Dustdevils,” explained Jackelyne Briseño, TAMIU development officer.

Proceeds collected support the Dustdevil Philanthropists Revolutionizing Ideologies, Diversity and Education (P.R.I.D.E.) Scholarship Endowment, which currently sits at $25,000.

It’s making a difference. A total of eight undergraduate and graduate student have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship thus far, Briseño explained. 

“A common theme is that this scholarship instills a sense of empowerment and responsibility to also give back.  Gratitude, I believe, is the motivation to infinite acts of kindness. That is what I believe each of our recipients experience when they are awarded this scholarship: an endless amount of gratitude that turns into motivation to help others as well,” she said.   

SPC is a student-led group that works to create and develop projects to help generate funds to support fellow students and the University. However, students don’t need to be part of SPC to participate in the philanthropic movement taking part at the University. Several events are organized throughout the year inviting students to make a difference, including donating spare change during the annual Penny Wars Challenge, making an online gift during the #GivingTuesday campaign, and participating in Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Student philanthropy is not just about collecting donations but contributing to building a strong commitment to helping others fulfill their potential, reiterated Briseño.

“It’s more than a campaign or a scholarship—it’s a promise. It’s a promise to the current TAMIU student starting a new semester, to the high school senior who is worried about funding his or her education, and to the individual who dreams about changing the world one day.  When a student gives, they are demonstrating their commitment to their classmates and to the future of their alma mater,”   she concluded.

Students who are interested in becoming part of SPC can learn more information on the application process at https://www.tamiu.edu/philanthropy/spc.shtml.

To learn more about the TAMIU Class Giving Campaign, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/philanthropy/classgivingcampaign.shtml.

TAMIU begins its Spring 2019 Semester on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

For University information, visit tamiu.edu, email prmis@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2180 or stop by offices in the Killam Library, room 268. University information is also found on its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.