More than 200 recent graduates have made gifts and pledges to join IGNITE, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s new young alumni giving program that was launched in August.
Graduates of the past decade can join IGNITE by making a gift of any size to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ this year. Young alums are encouraged to go to the new IGNITE Web site to learn more about this important donor recognition group, to make a gift and to register for an IGNITE NITE in their area. These events are hosted by young alumni to build membership and to offer graduates an opportunity to give back to their alma mater. There will be additional opportunities to join IGNITE at Homecoming Nov. 7-9.
Since IGNITE’s launch, 208 young alumni have made gifts and pledges totaling $61,168. Lynn Cupero ’08, of Greensboro, N.C., made her first gift to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ at the Piedmont Triad IGNITE NITE, which raised $2,670.
“IGNITE is a wonderful program, not only to give back to the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community, but to further my relationships with other ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ alumni in my area,” Cupero says. “It’s great to be with people who shared the same amazing experience that I did at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ. I feel it is important to give back to the university because of all that it gave to me. I had an incredible four years, and I look forward to seeing ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ grow in size and in reputation.”
Cupero says it felt “really good” to make her first gift to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.
“ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ took good care of me, and I feel fortunate to be able to take care of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ in any way I can,” she says. “I would encourage other young alums, especially new grads, to make a contribution, no matter how big, because every little bit helps. I feel that IGNITE provides the outlet that I need to continue my ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ experience as a graduate.”
Cameron DeJong ’02, of Manchester, N.H., made his IGNITE gift online 15 minutes after receiving an e-mail from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ about the new program.
A loyal annual giving donor, DeJong signed up for the recurring payment option because it allows him to spread his payments over 12 months. As a result, he says he was able to make a larger gift to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.
“The recurring payment option allows me to budget my donation and to donate more over a period of time,” DeJong says. “IGNITE is an outstanding program because it makes alumni like me feel that I can make a more meaningful donation and feel more appreciated. When I first heard about IGNITE, I knew it was something that would make a difference at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, regardless of what I am able to donate.”