ASU 153 Birthday!
Photo credit: David Campbell/ASU.
ASU's 'Protect the Nest' Student Fundraiser Starts June 19,
Themed Events for a 30-Day Virtual Birthday Celebration!
- Kicks-off June 19, with a 'giving' theme for each day of the week.
- Event culminates on July 18 (ASU's founding/birthday) with a parade on campus followed by a drive-in movie.
- Goal is to raise $50,000 for student assistance with individual $20.20 donations.
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU.
Alabama State University will celebrate the University’s 153rd “birthday” with a series of virtual events leading up to July 18, the date when nine former slaves founded the institution in Marion, Ala., in 1867.
The “30 days of ASU” initiative, which begins on Friday, June 19, allows for a nationwide celebration of ASU’s Proud Tradition with an opportunity to raise funds to ensure the Promise of a Bright Future for the University’s students.
The University will highlight its various areas through a series of virtual events ranging from the Office of Career Services’ Going Pro webisodes and Zooming-in on professional tips for alumni, students and the community; to hosting a virtual Read and Rise, featuring Facebook live readings of children’s books written by members of the Hornet Nation and read by students from ASU’s College of Education.
The month-long celebration will also include Marion Nine Moments, highlighting the founders of the University and TACO Tuesdays (Let’s Talk About COllege) where the deans of each college will discuss their various degree programs.
Saturdays will be reserved for highlighting alumni-owned small businesses. The first Saturday event on June 20, will highlight Luxor Technology Group. CEO Lindsey McAdory, Jr., COO Frank Stokes and CIO Alexander Nelson, who will discuss their new venture, The Exchange App, which was launched on June 19 (Juneteenth). The app is a digital hub for black-owned businesses.
The 30 Days of ASU also includes the premier of the Hornet Nation Rise Up Challenge, which encourages supporters to participate in a crowd fundraiser for the University.
“The fundraiser will support the University’s ‘Protect the Nest’ initiative, which is designed to alleviate ASU students’ financial barriers to academic excellence,” said Jennifer Anderson, director of Development and executive director of the ASU Foundation. “The Hornet Nation Rise Up Challenge has a goal of raising $50,000 by the University’s birthday on July 18. Donors are encouraged to make an investment to help to ensure the promise of a bright future for ASU students.”ASU's President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., explained that typically, the average ASU student has an academic financial deficit, even after financial aid, which may range between $500 - $1,000. For some students, this deficit can be as much as $6,000.
"Alabama State University remains Hornet Strong, despite the fact that our students have experienced uncertainty due to COVID-19," said Ross. "Food insecurity, lack of access to technology, challenges with shelter and unemployment have impacted many of our students during their pursuit of academic excellence at our University since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Our students have persevered through the pandemic, but they still need our help to achieve their goals."
RAISING FUNDS VIA TEAMS
The birthday celebration and giving initiative are spearheaded by ASU’s Department of Development. Anderson says organizers plan to reach the $50,000 goal by asking 2,476 members of the Hornet Nation family and University supporters to donate at least $20.20 during the 30-day campaign.
"During this time, we will not only raise awareness about ASU and the academic programs it offers, we will also provide those who love the University with the opportunity to make donations in support of our students. The virtual celebration calendar includes a variety of exciting and innovative activities leading up to the Big Day on July 18,” said Anderson.
The virtual birthday events will be held Friday, June 19, through Saturday, July 18:
MONDAY: "Marion Nine Moments"
Learn more about the founders of Alabama State University.
TUESDAY: 'Taco-Tuesday' (Talk About COllege Tuesday)
Grab a taco and settle in for conversations about various colleges and degree programs at ASU @ 6 p.m. on Facebook Live;
WEDNESDAY: "Why I Give Wednesdays"
Hear from ASU donors about their motivations for giving.
THURSDAY: "Thankful Thursdays"
ASU students share their gratitude to ASU donors via video messages.
FRIDAY: "It's a Family Affair Friday"
The spotlight is on alumni who share their love for ASU via social media.
SATURDAY: "Small Business Saturdays"
The focus is on ASU alumni and students who own small businesses.
SUNDAY: "Soulful Sunday"
Sundays are opportunities to be uplifted through a unified day of prayer focusing on topics that affect our nation and our University.
JULY 18: "ASU's Birthday Celebration"
The Big Day includes an on-campus live ASU parade. We invite the Hornet Nation to decorate their cars with balloons and signs and wear masks for ASU's Birthday Parade.
"All of our events will be held while safely social distancing and observing COVID-19 guidelines," Anderson added.
CELEBRATE ASU'S BIRTHDAY WITH $20.20...HELP STUDENTS...ADVANCE SOCIAL CHANGE
“The University’s birthday celebration is always a great time for our alumni and other supporters to consider a special gift to O’ Mother Dear,” said Ross. “This is an opportunity to help more young people have access to higher education, which is one of the missions of our University.”
To view the complete calendar and to learn more about how you may participate in the events and the Protect the Nest campaign, please visit: www.alasu.edu/ASU153
News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104.
###
. Powered by 