We Love Our Donors Day
What happens when you set aside a day for gratitude? You learn there are hundreds of colorful ways to say thank you. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley community showed appreciation for UTRGV’s generous donors during We Love Our Donors Day. Participants wrote thoughtful thank you notes, designed posters and recorded heartfelt video messages. We Love Our Donors Day, hosted by the Division of Institutional Advancement, was held on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at the Student Union in Edinburg, and February 16 on the Student Union Lawn in Brownsville.
Andrea Navarro, a College of Education and P-16 Integration junior, enjoyed the chance to thank the kind donors enhancing her education. “Their donations give us the opportunity to look forward to our future and make a difference,” said the English teacher-in-training. “We get to show that we are appreciative of what these donors have done for us.”
UTRGV donors impact all areas of the university including student scholarships, research, special programs, the School of Medicine, all colleges and Athletics. UTRGV Head Women’s Basketball Coach Larry Tidwell couldn’t pass on the chance to attend the event. He wrote and recorded a message of gratitude. “Our donors are always there for our student athletes. Thank you,” said Tidwell. “I’d also like to tell our donors two dash two dash zero (2-2-0). Which simply means our donors are second to none.”
Jaqueline Torres is a UTRGV senior, majoring in social work. Donors are supporting her education through a scholarship. “They have helped me with everything from meals to books. It is a great help,” said Torres. She was happy to participate in We Love Our Donors Day. “This is a great opportunity for us to say thank you.”
For some participants, We Love our Donors Day was the first time they learned about the important difference donors make across UTRGV campuses. UTRGV College of Fine Arts freshman Jonathan Barrera attended the Brownsville event. “When I was told there are people actually behind all this that help us financially, I wanted to thank them,” Barrera said. “They opened a gateway, a door for me to be here and I just love that.”
DeAnna Garza, director of stewardship and donor relations, organized We Love our Donors Day on both campuses. She says the goal was awareness and gratitude. “The purpose of We Love Our Donors Day is to encourage all our faculty, staff, and especially students to be aware of the generosity that our donors show us each and every day,” Garza said. “Even though we are celebrating today, it’s every day that we recognize our donors and thank them for the generosity they show our university.”
UTRGV donors will see the videos, bright posters and notes displayed throughout the year at donor events and featured in communication pieces. The hope is the generous people who are changing lives and giving from the heart will know at UTRGV, we truly love our donors!
Enjoy the We Love Our Donors Day photo galleries: