Indiana State University is preparing for its sixth annual Give to Blue Day on Wednesday, March 20. On this day, the campus, alums, and local community will work together to raise funds for Indiana State students and programs.
Events to celebrate Give to Blue Day will take place around campus to encourage support and donations for Sycamores. Several local businesses are hosting events or pledging a portion of their proceeds to ISU to promote this day of giving. Many of these businesses are owned by alums and include:
- Culver’s – Selling special “Blue” Sycamore-themed shakes and sundaes, with various other promotions throughout the day.
- Federal Coffee + Fine Foods – Will Sell limited–edition Indiana State University mugs featuring the art of ISU student Freya Stroven. Specialty drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day.
- McDonald’s locations in the Wabash Valley – 5% of sales on March 20 donated back to Indiana State University
- WaterTower Estates – Offering a Sycamore Sam-gria cocktail, Be So BOLD Pino Noir, and a Happy Hour event with the ISU Alumni Association from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Springhill location.
More than 15 other partners around Terre Haute will also have Give to Blue Day promotions, including Ballyhoo Tavern, Bits N’ Bites, Ferm Fresh, Honey’s Bar and Grill, J. Gumbo’s, Java Haute, Little Bear, Scout’s Pizzeria, Terre Haute Brewing Company, Tropical Smoothie, and The Wing House. The complete list of participating businesses will be available on the Give to Blue website.
Indiana State University President, Dr. Deborah J. Curtis, expressed her appreciation for the Sycamore community. “Year after year, the generosity of the Indiana State University community, students, and alums is strongly displayed worldwide as our Sycamores unite to help advance our beloved University. A donation on Give to Blue Day has a generational impact on the programs and organizations our current and future students need. I look forward to seeing our campus and community come together again.”
During last year’s Give to Blue Day, 1,710 generous donors gave $1,385,877 to the University in the 24-hour giving period. Gifts support the donor’s area of choice, including scholarships, experiential learning, faculty, and Sycamore Athletics.
“As the Student Philanthropy Organization President, I want to encourage Indiana State students, alumni, and friends to participate in the activities surrounding Give to Blue Day,” said Grace Longyear. Our mission is to encourage a philanthropic spirit among Sycamores on campus and beyond, and your participation in this 24-hour giving day exemplifies that spirit.”
Donations can be made using credit and debit cards and apps like Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal. Donors can also designate a specific fund on campus to receive their gift.
“We are continuing to build excitement during the Be So BOLD Campaign for the exceptional opportunities Sycamores can experience through donor generosity,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “University Advancement staff have worked with alumni and donors to create challenges and matches that keep the competitive spirit among colleges and programs thriving.”
This year, former ISU trustee Jeff Taylor ‘75 and his wife Penny ‘76 committed to make a $100,000 gift on Give to Blue Day. The Taylors will kick off the day with a $50,000 unrestricted gift. They have challenged another Sycamore to match it with a gift to the area on campus of their choosing, at which point the Taylors will give another $50,000.
“Your involvement on Give to Blue Day shows your Bold support for Indiana State University and our students. Sign up as a social ambassador and spread the word on social media!” said Angel. “Your participation and gift make all the difference for current and future Sycamores.”
Gifts can be made online or accepted in person at the ISU Foundation, 30 North 5th Street in Terre Haute. Advancement staff will be in the Foundation until midnight on Give to Blue Day. For more information, call 812-237-6100 or visit the Give to Blue website.