As a dedicated member of the Syracuse University Volunteer Organization (SUVO), I’ve witnessed the significant impact that giving has on student-led initiatives. Thursday, March 27, is Syracuse Giving Day, and I encourage all of my peers to head to Schine Student Center on Thursday to participate in games and giveaways (with free food!) and consider making a gift of any size to Syracuse University.
Back to the impact of giving: one standout example is our recent collaboration with the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), where we built 88 beds for children in need within our community. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of over 200 volunteers and the generous financial support from different student organizations and the Student Association’s “Spring Into Action Community Service Initiative.” Each bed costs $250 to produce, and through our combined fundraising efforts, we raised over $22,000 to cover these expenses, doubling the number of beds created in 2024! One of those fundraising efforts was the Student Organization Challenge this past Fall. There’s another Student Organization Challenge running on Giving Day, and I hope you’ll support the student projects that mean the most to you!
I encourage all students to actively participate in this 24-hour event. Giving Day is a unique opportunity for the global Syracuse community to unite, showcase our Orange pride and make a tangible difference. Every contribution, whether $5 or $5,000, strengthens our shared legacy and empowers student organizations to turn their visions into reality.
The Student Organization Challenge allows student groups to compete to raise funds for their respective causes. This friendly competition not only fosters camaraderie, but also provides essential resources for organizations to complete meaningful projects. At Syracuse University, there are countless student groups with dreams of helping those in need, and your support can help turn those dreams into reality.
Reflecting on our bed-building initiative, it’s important to recognize that donor support plays a crucial role in our success. Student and alumni contributions combined with community involvement enable us to address pressing needs and create lasting change. Participating in Giving Day is more than just a donation; it’s an investment in the future leaders and changemakers of our society.
I invite you to join us for Syracuse University’s Giving Day. Your support, no matter the size, will have a lasting impact on our community and beyond. Together, we can write Syracuse University’s next chapter.
Written By Ryan Edwards ’26, College of Engineering and Computer Science