CSU’s Presidential Ambassadors will be on the Lory Student Center plaza Thursday, educating their fellow students about university funding and how they can have an impact.
The event – “Impact Your State” – is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and provides the 15 Presidential Ambassadors an opportunity to discuss how various campus programs are funded and introduce students to “State Your Purpose – The Campaign for Colorado State University,” the $1 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign launched in February.
Finding ways to give back
Janisa Garcia, a senior majoring in human development and family studies, has been a Presidential Ambassador the past two years. A first-generation student from Aurora, Garcia works three campus jobs to help pay for her schooling yet still finds a way to donate back to CSU.
“It’s not easy for most of us to pay for college, but I give to the university because I know there are peers of mine who need help,” Garcia said. “The biggest thing for me is that this campaign will help us long after my time here. It will make this university better, and that will make our degrees worth even more down the line.”
Garcia said her experience with Presidential Ambassadors opened her eyes to the importance of private giving – particularly when state support is dwindling. She realizes most students don’t understand how important private support has become, so she’s happy to share her story.
“Even though I’ll have graduated long before the campaign ends in 2020, it will still have an impact on me and my degree,” she said. “That’s something every student is looking for.”
Students are getting involved
The message is being received. Current students are donating at an impressive rate.
“It’s very clear our students care about what we are doing at Colorado State University. Giving back is a growing part of the culture here, and that’s so critical. It’s how we have been able to succeed, it’s how future students will find success,” said Brett Anderson (’87), vice president for University Advancement.
The current campaign has raised more than $584 million toward increasing student scholarships, improving infrastructure (classrooms, labs, residence halls, athletics facilities), investing in exceptional programs and securing CSU’s endowment for the long-term financial health of the University.
The “Impact Your State” event will include activities, giveaways and refreshments for students.
