STEPHENVILLE (April 18, 2018) — Preliminary numbers are in and the count continues for Tarleton State University’s third Giving Day, with more than $380,000 raised to pay it forward for students.
The 24-hour campaign took place yesterday — ending at midnight — encouraging supporters, alumni, students and parents to make tax-deductible donations to university scholarships, programs and activities. Donations were collected online and at drop-off points on the Stephenville campus and outreach locations in Fort Worth, Midlothian and Waco.
“This is an extraordinary success and speaks to the generosity of the entire university family as well as the confidence that organizations and businesses have in the value of a Tarleton education,” said President F. Dominic Dottavio. “Together we are transforming lives by building a better, stronger, more affordable university experience.
“We appreciate every gift — regardless of size — and sincerely thank all who gave.”
Preliminary numbers show 646 donors contributed $380,303. Final numbers are expected later this week.
“This level of giving is far beyond anything we ever imagined,” said Dr. Kyle McGregor, vice president for Tarleton’s Institutional Advancement Division. “Giving Day contributions help our students fulfill their dreams for a university education, and they encourage a spirit of philanthropy among students and alumni. That was John Tarleton’s vision from the beginning, and it lives on today through those who give unselfishly to help Tarleton Texans excel.”
Have a look at a few of this year’s Giving Day contributions.
Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc. gave $50,000 to put toward scholarships for the School of Engineering. Created nearly 40 years ago, the foundation acts independently of the university and The Texas A&M University System solely for the benefit of Tarleton and students who otherwise might not earn a degree.
First National Bank of Granbury donated $27,500 to endow scholarships for Tarleton students, and the William and Marsha Rickett Family Foundation contributed $25,000 to the general scholarship fund.
True to its mission of improving the quality of education, the Texas Pioneer Foundation increased its endowed scholarship another $20,000 as part of Giving Day. In addition to the scholarship, created in 2006, the foundation has awarded Tarleton more than $500,000 in grants over the past several years.
The Meador Family gave $20,000 for an endowed scholarship to honor the legacy of family member Daniel B. McMillin, and the children of Dr. Michael McLatchy, a longtime Tarleton professor, donated $8,000 toward a scholarship bearing his name.
The McMillin scholarship benefits public school teachers pursuing a graduate degree, and the McLatchy endowment assists full-time hydrology and environmental engineering students.
SSC Services for Education continued last year’s $30,000 commitment to Tarleton Texans with $5,000 to fund scholarships for engineering and engineering technology students. SSC is the university’s service contractor.
Alumnus Dr. Alfonso “Alfie” Pino paid it forward with half of a $10,000 gift to the College of Science and Technology to support pre-health professionals. An anesthesiologist in Dallas, Pino earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Tarleton before continuing his medical school education.
Honoring alumnus Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder, the university’s Centennial committee donated $1,200 to benefit kinesiology students. Rudder was a teacher, football coach and athletic director at Tarleton as well as a decorated World War II military hero. He served as president of Texas A&M University and chancellor of The Texas A&M University System.
Students, too, got involved with Giving Day 2018, donating profits from the sale of Homecoming T-shirts and helping establish a food pantry at Tarleton-Fort Worth.
Tarleton Ambassadors created the Core Values Scholarship three years ago with T-shirt proceeds. This year they surpassed the endowment minimum with a gift of $11,000. Sights are set on earning a spot in the prestigious John Tarleton Society by reaching the $25,000 mark.
Tarleton-Waco Diplomat Tammy Tull and husband Rickey personally paid it forward to Tarleton Texans with a $1,000 gift. Ambassadors and Diplomats represent the university at events on and off campus.
“I am truly astonished by this year’s outpouring of generosity, and very thankful,” said Tarleton Development Director Jennifer Hawthorne. “Giving Day is a great way to unify the entire university around a common cause. With hundreds of alumni, friends, student and parents donating more than $380,000 in a single day, we have good reason to celebrate.”
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