{"id":58559,"date":"2025-03-25T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=58559"},"modified":"2025-04-01T06:53:07","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T10:53:07","slug":"help-write-emus-next-chapter-on-lovemu-giving-day-april-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2025\/help-write-emus-next-chapter-on-lovemu-giving-day-april-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Help write 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ\u2019s next chapter on Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day, April 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Wednesday, April 2, Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day is back and bigger than ever, with more challenge match funds to unlock than ever before, along with a pair of fun spirit days leading up to the main event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participate in our ninth annual 24-hour giving day extravaganza, in which alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends come together to support and celebrate the wonderful university we all love. Help us set a new record! Last year, we raised $340,512 from donors giving 873 gifts. With your help, we can all make a difference by contributing to even more scholarships and financial aid packages, direct faculty and staff support, campus facility enhancements, and more. Join thousands of other supporters for Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ 2025 and help us write 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ\u2019s next chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenty of events are scheduled to show off your Royal pride and unleash your Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ spirit. Follow our coverage throughout the day on our 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Facebook page<\/a>. Tag #91¶ÌÊÓÆµGivingDay and #ARoyalTale in your social media posts and tell your friends and family about Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get into the spirit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ week launches Monday with President Huxman Lookalike Day<\/strong>. Dig out those blue blazers and spectacular specs for a one-of-a-kind contest held at 10:45 a.m. in the Student Union and judged by the prez herself. The winner will receive a free coffee or dinner date with the president and three friends, along with three votes toward the leaderboard competition. Don\u2019t forget to grab a free Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ T-shirt from the Student Union starting at 10:15 a.m., while supplies last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday, 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ gets enchanted. Bust out your favorite costume for Fairy Tale Day<\/strong>. A contest held at the dining hall during lunch will pick the most popular Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ-themed nail art, with the top two designs winning Common Grounds gift cards. Submit a photo online<\/strong> here<\/strong><\/a> by March 30 to enter the competition.<\/s> This contest has been canceled.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the big day arrives on Wednesday, it\u2019s time to break out the blue and don your choicest 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ apparel for Royal Pride Day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Giving Day events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Day kicks off bright and early with a sunrise viewing<\/strong> from the 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ hill at 6:30 a.m. with coffee and tea provided. Then, head over to Yoder Arena for a pep rally <\/strong>at 10:15 a.m. to enjoy some doughnuts and get fired up. The event, which will be livestreamed on Facebook<\/a>, will feature a screening of the official Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ hype video and a special appearance from the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon designed by engineering student Adam Stoltzfus with help from lab tech Henry Bowser. The project was funded by 2019 alumni Ben and Kayla Zook (hence the name). \u201cI was told that it can fire a shirt up to 55 feet, so it\u2019s got some power,\u201d said Nicole Litwiller, annual giving and donor communication specialist. If at least 150 people attend the pep rally, she said, Herm’s jester will perform a hidden talent.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A Royal Tales panel discussion<\/strong> with faculty members Dr. Gaurav Pathania, Dr. Kate Clark, and Dr. Benjamin Bergey at 11:45 a.m. in the Student Union will feature the professors sharing the journeys that led them to 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ. A lunch and lawn party<\/strong> held at Thomas Plaza at noon will include a free meal for students and lawn games. Get ready for a fierce showdown of egg toss! Throughout the day, at two separate sessions (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), Music Professor Ben Guerrero will lead tours of the new state-of-the-art recording studio<\/strong> located in the astral hall atop the 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 2 to 4 p.m. at the Student Union, 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ librarians will share their favorite children\u2019s books. This story time <\/strong>event is open to community members and their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day includes a wide slate of sports games<\/strong>, from a softball doubleheader against Bridgewater (3 p.m. and 5 p.m.), a lacrosse game against Ferrum (4 p.m.), and a men\u2019s volleyball match against Randolph (7 p.m.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the evening, enjoy a shared meal and live music with the 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ community at the Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Cookout<\/strong> at 5:30 p.m. in the University Commons parking lot. Dinner is free and open to all students, prospective students, faculty\/staff, alumni, donors, and families. RSVP here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The night continues with a real-life Mario Kart race<\/strong> at 8 p.m. Participants in teams of three will ride floor scooters\u2014the kind you might remember from elementary school\u2014around the indoor track, dodging obstacles and grabbing mystery blocks full of prizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind down Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Day with a screening of The Princess Bride<\/em> and a craft-your-own-potion station<\/strong> at 10 p.m. in the Student Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day features over $150,000 in challenge match funds from generous donors, split between full-day and timed challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first time in Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ history, a new challenge is dedicated to raising funds for 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ\u2019s intercultural programs. If donors contribute 75 gifts between 5 and 7 p.m., $10,000 will be unlocked for intercultural programs at 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day also marks the return of the popular leaderboard competition. Each gift of $10 or more is eligible to cast a vote for your favorite academic program, student club\/organization and athletic team. First place in each category will receive $1,000, second place receives $500, and third place receives $250.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPart of what is meaningful about Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day is that it\u2019s all about participation,\u201d Litwiller said. \u201cA gift of any size helps us reach our goals and unlock significant amounts of money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Early Challenge (almost there!)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Help us reach our goal of receiving 100 gifts before Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day to unlock an additional $10,000 toward the University Fund, our No. 1 student-centric fundraising priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Full-day challenges<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Loyal Royal Challenge<\/strong>: If 250 alumni give gifts to 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ, $20,000 is unlocked to the University Fund. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friends of 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Challenge<\/strong>: If 175 non-alumni participate in Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day, $15,000 will be unlocked for student scholarships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future Royal Challenge<\/strong>: For each prospective student who attends Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day and pays their tuition deposit, $1,000 is donated for scholarship funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Timed challenges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Rise \u2019n Shine, Royals!
<\/strong>Time: 6\u20139 a.m.
Goal: 75 gifts
Unlocks: $15,000 to the University Fund<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fund our Facilities
<\/strong>Time: 10 a.m.\u2013noon
Goal: 65 gifts
Unlocks: $15,000 for improvements to campus facilities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Magnificent Academics We Have!
<\/strong>Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Goal: 100 gifts
Unlocks: $15,000 for student scholarships<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Whole New World
<\/strong>Time: 5-7 p.m.
Goal: 75 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 for intercultural programs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mighty Royals
<\/strong>Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Goal: 50 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 for 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ athletics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the Clock Strikes Midnight
<\/strong>Time: 9 p.m.-Midnight
Goal: 100 gifts
Unlocks: $15,000 to the University Fund<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Other ways to show your 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ love<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no shortage of ways to show your love for all things 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ. Take in 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Theatre\u2019s spring musical production<\/a> of \u201cOn the Breath of God: The Life of Maria Skobtsova,\u201d which runs from March 29-30 and April 3-5 at the MainStage Theater. Or, enjoy the senior art show opening at 4 p.m. on April 4 at the Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also show your 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ love by supporting a couple 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ alum-owned businesses in the \u2018Burg. From now through April 2, enjoy a special Royal Blue-berry Cheesecake at The Ridge Room<\/a>. Profits will support 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund, which directly supports our commitment to creating a community of learners where everyone feels connected, accepted, valued and respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From March 26 through April 2, take your custom framing needs to The Frame Factory<\/a> and mention the Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ partnership to ensure 10% of your sale goes to support the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, check out a teaser below for our full Lov91¶ÌÊÓÆµ Giving Day video, which releases on Monday, March 31. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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