University Shows Appreciation for Donors

Volunteers spread awareness about benefactorsEryn OlsonTHE SANTA CLARAApril 10, 2014[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ovember isn’t the only time of the year to give thanks. Students celebrated the second annual Sprinksgiving outside of the Harrington Learning Commons on Wednesday to raise awareness about the benefits of philanthropy for the university.The event, hosted by the Student Philanthropy Committee and the Development Office, gave appreciation to donors who provide students with opportunities including scholarships, immersion trips, athletics and new campus buildings.“Its goal is to raise awareness within students and to give them a chance to thank the donors that make so many activities at Santa Clara possible,” said sophomore Christine Peters, one of the public relations and marketing coordinators of Sprinksgiving.Drawn in by the music, balloons and energetic volunteers, students signed a large board to express their gratitude and spoke on camera for a video that will be presented to donors at the end of the week. Students who stopped by also received free turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pies as part of this springtime Thanksgiving.“I think it’s super important for students to be aware of the generous support from all the alumni and how it impacts their everyday experience here,” said sophomore Charlotte Van Noppen, who also signed the board.Volunteers wore shirts that read, “We are thankful for our 9,739 alumni donors who make possible … scholarships, great facilities, small class sizes, beautiful campus, awesome professors.”According to Jim Cunha, an alumni donor and a member of the Board of Regents, last year’s Sprinksgiving, especially the video, was a powerful way for students to show acknowledgement and thanks.“You can’t say thanks enough to donors,” said Jim Cunha, class of 1971. “It makes donors feel good because that’s a way for them to see that their gift makes a difference.”Cunha, who was a highly-involved student throughout his year at Santa Clara, realized that as a student he benefitted from many people and believes it is important to return the favor.“One of the big reasons I donate is to make their experience as good as what I had,” said Cunha.Cunha encourages graduating seniors to consider what role they can play. He said that they should give back, either through time or money, to something familiar, comfortable and meaningful to them.“It’s really to maintain an experience for somebody that’s going to come behind you,” Cunha said.To kick off Sprinksgiving, the Student Philanthropy Committee went around campus on Tuesday to thank donors and faculty face-to-face. Sophomore Mary Sarbaugh said, “It’s crazy to think about how much the donors make a difference.”This year’s thank-you board and Sprinksgiving video will be presented to donors and the Board of Regents on Saturday.Contact Eryn Olson at eolson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.