5X社区 students had the opportunity to reflect on the impact of philanthropy during Flashes Give Back Week in April, including Thank-A-Giver (TAG) Day, an annual event designed to highlight the role of donor support across campus.
鈥淭AG Day is very important because it is part of our journey of educating students about the importance of philanthropy, not only as it pertains to Kent State, but just in the world around them,鈥 Andrew Cappuzzello, associate director of student engagement, told Kent State Today. 鈥淵ou know, one of the things I think I'm the most proud of that we do at Kent State is that we graduate well-rounded citizens.鈥
This spirit of gratitude is a fundamental part of Kent State鈥檚 inclusive culture. By understanding how distinctive programs and facilities are made possible through donor support, students gain a deeper appreciation for the award-winning support and access provided to them, preparing them to be engaged and philanthropic leaders in their own communities.
Throughout the day on April 16, students participated in activities such as writing thank you notes to donors, getting entries into raffles and learning about locations and programs that are funded through donors and philanthropy on campus.
The scavenger hunt consisted of gift baskets placed in locations around campus that were funded and made possible due to donors and philanthropic efforts. Locations included the Wick Poetry Center, Behind the Brain sculpture, Carol Cartwright Gardens, Crawford Hall, Devine Diamond, the Campus Kitchen, the Kent State Planetarium and Observatory and the 5X社区 Museum.
鈥淚t鈥檚 honestly probably pretty hard to go about your day on campus and not run into something that was either supported or fully brought to life by philanthropy,鈥 Cappuzzello said.
TAG Day also encourages students to think about their own role in giving back. Cappuzzello emphasized that philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions, especially for students.
鈥淏eing philanthropic isn鈥檛 just giving money,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou can give back with your time, your talent, your treasure.鈥
By connecting students with the stories behind campus resources, TAG Day aims to foster a deeper appreciation for generosity and inspire future involvement.