AV狼

Every Giving Tuesday gift made to AV狼 has a story behind it. Cherrie Nanninga ‘70 believes it’s important to pay it forward. Physics professor Derek Kimball sees how our students make a difference in our community and the world. Alumna Evelyn Dilsaver (’77) knows her gift makes a difference in a student’s life and ability to graduate.

Each of these individuals has pledged to support their favorite AV狼 program through a charitable gift on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the global day of support called Giving Tuesday. Promoted through social media and collaboration, the annual Giving Tuesday campaign follows Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For many, it signifies the launch of year-end giving and donors often share their charitable intentions publicly with the hope to inspire others to donate to their own preferred organizations.

In its 2018 inaugural participation year, AV狼 raised more than $156,000 from 400 gifts. This year, the university aims to raise at least $198,000 from more than 450 gifts given on Giving Tuesday.

“I am giving to AV狼 because I want to give back to a university that gave me so much,” said Allen Kwan (‘04), president of the AV狼 Alumni Association. Challenges along the way “unlock” additional support from alumni, faculty and staff who have pledged gifts to specific programs once a total number of gifts is surpassed. For example, after 50 gifts made on Giving Tuesday, University Libraries Dean John Wenzler will personally donate $1,000 to a special ebook collection focused on mental health. 

Once the 175 gifts level is met, faculty emerita Bette B. Felton will give $5,000 in support of the Concord Campus. And once Giving Tuesday totals to the university surpass 375 gifts, alumnus James B. Hannan ’89 will contribute $50,000 to the CORE Building.

Although donors may choose to support any AV狼 program, the university has identified 10 priorities as suggestions:

● Applied Sciences Center

● Cameron’s Collection, ebooks that support mental health

● CORE Building

● Hayward Promise Neighborhoods

● Green Biome Institute

● Pioneer Athletics

● Pioneers for Change

● Pioneers for H.O.P.E. on the Concord Campus

● Pioneers Pathfinder Scholarship

● Renaissance Scholars

Secured online giving and hourly totals will be updated frequently on the university’s Giving Tuesday website and social media channels.