MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University held its third annual Day of Giving on Thursday, as a 24-hour fundraising event for various needs.
This year’s overarching theme is ‘Give what you Love,’ spanning all around campus. Sports teams, clubs, and academic departments all make up the 643 organizations taking part in raising money. These funds will help with necessary equipment, travel, and special event expenses.
One campus organization in particular is tackling this year’s initiative at a unique angle. The NMU Music Department is more focused on highlighting its strong community through alumni, employees, and parents and families.
“We’re really trying to gather the most donors, not necessarily the most amount of money,” said Samantha Altman, a drum major with the NMU Marching Band. “We’re looking to show that there’s a huge community supporting this music department, trying to get those numbers up as best as we can, that there are people from Marquette who are supporting, and families all over the country as well.”
By mid-afternoon, over $70,000 were donated to programs through the university, with the Music Department at the top spot in the number of donations. Director of Bands, Dr. Steven Riley addressed his appreciation for the outpouring of support.
“The main goal is to engage our community, and so far we’re doing well on that front,” he said. “Whether you’re giving to the music department, some other entity on campus, or multiple entities, thank you for those donations.”
Donations can still be made until 3:00 a.m. Friday morning. For all information and updates with the NMU Day of Giving, visit givecampus.com/schools/NorthernMichiganUniversity.
