The week of February 15th was all about sharing the love for WSU.
The week of February 15th was all about sharing the love for Winona State University.
WSU Week featured a series of events that focused on honoring individuals who make this university a success through their generous donations. Sponsored by University Advancement and the Winona State University Foundation, the week of campus activities sought to educate students, staff, and faculty on the importance of philanthropy.
“The week focused on educating students about philanthropy and recognizing donors,” said Heather Kosik, Director of Alumni Relations. “Students should understand the importance of philanthropy and how it has affected their time at WSU. It’s not scary to talk about philanthropy, and instead the generosity of others should be celebrated, which was the goal of I Love WSU Week.”
The four-day affair launched with the All-U Campaign Kick-Off, with President Olson and Winona State student Jenny Connell speaking about what makes WSU great — the generosity of donors — and how that translates into student success. Faculty, both current and retired, and staff who are donors, received a button to wear declaring, “I <3 WSU/Donor.”
Tag Day featured hundreds of “I’m Here Because of Donors” tags placed on items throughout the campus, both indoors and out. Tagged items were made possible by the donations Winona State receives through various avenues, including the Phonathon.
“Get the Scoop on Philanthropy” offered students, faculty, and staff free ice cream and information on philanthropy and the importance of “giving back.” Students wrote “thank you” cards to donors while they enjoyed their ice cream.
Events wrapped up with “I <3 WSU” Day. The purpose of this day was simply to celebrate WSU and the reasons everyone loves the university. Reasons to love WSU include the rock climbing wall, the bluffs, nature, connections, friends, campus, their international family, the great people, and, as one student said, just everything. What people love about WSU is what gives them pride in being a Warrior.
“I’m passionate about the success of this university, and participating in I <3 WSU Week has inspired me to want to give back after I graduate. The WSU Foundation has helped me incredibly in my journey throughout college, so I try and educate other students about the WSU Foundation, which is why I participated in this event.”
— Mariah Kaercher ‘17
