Editor’s Note: This story was written by the UW-Superior Foundation office as part of the “Together We Are Superior” ad campaign. Julie Smith is the Foundation’s Annual Giving Officer.
In a galaxy not far, far away…in Superior, WI, actually, UW-Superior alumni, faculty and staff, and community members are awakening the power this May the 4th by donating to the UW-Superior Foundation to support scholarships and programming – all to make your experience out of this world.
The 24-hour online Superior Day of Giving is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year. Last year, amidst a global pandemic, UW-Superior’s generous community of alumni and friends contributed over $90,000 to support scholarships, undergraduate research opportunities, athletics programming, well-equipped facilities, student organizations, and more.
“During this year’s seventh Annual Superior Day of Giving, which happens to fall on May the 4th, we hope the spirit of giving will be strong with our community, as they join forces to support our incredible students,” says Jeanne Thompson, Executive Director of the UW-Superior Foundation. “All gifts made during the Superior Day of Giving will support our $20 million ‘Together We Are Superior’ campaign, which benefits every component of the student experience.”
Each year, the Foundation awards over $900,000 in scholarships to students as well as financially supports undergraduate research programs like SURF and UW-Superior’s academic programs. Alumni, community partners, businesses and foundations, parents, and many others contribute to the Foundation each year, and during last year’s Superior Day of Giving, over 300 donors supported students with their donations.
Superior Day of Giving May the 4th
“We understand the challenges and adjustments students have made during the past year to continue with their studies, and we are so proud of how our Yellowjackets have persevered through it all,” Thompson says. “We are looking forward to making big strides on our campaign and supporting our student experience with a successful Superior Day of Giving.”
A generous alumnus, Steve Bergquist ‘72, and his wife Annie Bergquist, have contributed a gift of $25,000 to allow for all Superior Fund gifts to be matched dollar-for-dollar during the Superior Day of Giving. The Superior Fund is a Superior Day of Giving priority, as it provides the Foundation with the financial resources to increase scholarship and programming support for students.
The Foundation also has a number of other challenges as part of the Superior Day of Giving, which include support for UW-Superior Athletics, Campus Recreation, UW-Superior Music, Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity (HBJD), the Gender Equity Resource Center, and the Superior Floating Classroom. All of these challenges will help create incredible opportunities for students.
The Superior Day of Giving is just one example of how the Foundation is committed to supporting students, and there are several ways you can help with this important work:
- Follow the Superior Alumni on Facebook to see exciting Superior Day of Giving updates. Like and share posts to help promote the Day of Giving. Who can resist sharing these Star Wars-inspired posts?
- Join the force by talking about Superior Day of Giving with family and friends, and encourage them, as they are able, to make a contribution.
- Learn more about the Superior Day of Giving.
Learn more about the ways the Foundation is impacting your student experience. Students are always welcome to come by the Foundation Office in Old Main 237 to learn more. And don’t forget to help awaken the power this May the 4th!
