On Feb. 27, Southern Illinois University will join nearly 100 educational institutions worldwide to participate in the second annual Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day. The initiative, organized by CASE Affiliated Student Advancement Programs, is designed to increase student understanding of philanthropy and grow engagement on campuses.

Institutions from the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and other countries will participate in the event through various activities, including “thank-a-thons,” day-long social media campaigns and student video interviews on what giving means to them.

The SIU Foundation and SIU Alumni Association will be inviting students to write “Thank You” notes to various donors, who have given generously to the Carbondale campus in recent years. Stations, with representatives from the Association’s Student Alumni Council, will be set up at the Student Center and at Morris Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This event occurs annually on campuses around the world. One of the benefits of hosting this day at SIU is that our students learn how contributions have an impact upon their lives,” says Jim Salmo, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Once a student feels the generosity personally, they naturally want to say thank you. And the donors love hearing from them. Our SIU Student Engagement Philanthropy Day has real meaning for all who are involved.”

“Facilitating relationships by engaging students in support of SIU is one of the roles of the SIU Alumni Association,” says Michelle Suarez, executive director of the Association. “We appreciate the participation of the Student Alumni Council in managing this effort.”

CASE ASAP provides programming, services and resources in advancement, including fundraising and alumni relations, for students and advisers at student alumni associations, student foundations and similar organizations at colleges and universities that are members of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day is part of CASE ASAP’s goal to foster and enhance student involvement in all areas of advancement—including fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and marketing.

“It’s important that students start taking steps to become the next group of philanthropic leaders,” says Rob Henry, CASE’s executive director of emerging constituencies. “On February 27, we celebrate the value students bring to their institutions with their time, talent, and treasure.”

About CASE

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in London, Singapore, and Mexico City, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education is the professional organization for advancement professionals at all levels who work in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, marketing and other areas.

About CASE ASAP

CASE ASAP, a program of CASE, comprises student alumni associations, student philanthropy groups, and similar organizations around the world. Its goal is to foster and enhance student involvement in all areas of advancement while providing unique opportunities for students to explore careers in higher educational advancement.

About SIU Foundation

The SIU Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that provides alumni and friends a means to invest in the University’s future. Established in 1942, the Foundation solicits and administers gifts from private sources in support of SIU Carbondale’s academic mission. Private funding is generated through annual giving, planned giving, major giving, corporate and foundation relations and campaigns. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

About SIU Alumni Association

As the largest and oldest organization on campus, the SIU Alumni Association has been proudly serving alumni and friends since 1896. Established by a group of students committed to continuing their involvement with their alma mater and fellow graduates, the Association held its first meeting on June 10, 1896. Since then the Association has continued to grow and facilitate relationships with a variety of programs and services each year including networking, professional development, and scholarships.