Several hundred Northwestern State University students, faculty and staff took time out of their day on Thursday to thank those who provide financial support to the university.
The participants in NSU’s annual Thank a Donor Day held in the Orville Hanchey Art Gallery wrote personalized thank you notes to those who have made contributions to support student scholarships, academic programs and Demon athletics.
During the past academic year, alumni and friends of Northwestern State have contributed more than $4.3 million to support the university. Those gifts created 25 new scholarships and renewed 12 additional scholarships, helped provide new uniforms for the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, provided assistance to all academic areas of the university and supported Northwestern’s athletic program.
“I took part in this event because it’s a great way for me to personally thank the donors who are allowing me to go to this great university,” said Dylan Bennett, a freshman nursing major from Natchitoches. “I also feel it is also very important that donors can directly see the results in the formation of other people’s careers and lives.”
Bennett is a recipient of the NSU Award Scholarship and NSU Opportunity Scholarship.
“I feel that it is very important to thank those who donate to Northwestern,” said Bennett.
“If it was not for them and their generous donations we would not be able to enjoy many of the amazing opportunities and advantages that are offered at Northwestern.
Senior Jacqueline Manza just completed a four-year career as a member of the NSU soccer team. Manza, a senior psychology major from Toms River, New Jersey, received an athletic and academic scholarship from NSU. The soccer program also benefitted for the support of the Demons Unlimited Foundation.
“I took part in this event because it’s always good to give back. Something so simple like writing a thank you card is the least we can do to thank our donors,” said Manza. “It is extremely important that we thank our donors. Many activities and groups on campus would not be possible without them. Our donors are a huge part of the reason why my experience at NSU was an unforgettable one. I am truly thankful for their generosity and out pouring support for NSU.”
Manza is a member of the NSU Athletic Council and the Athletic Department Ambassadors program.
For more information on the NSU Foundation, go to northwesternstatealumni.com or contact Director of Development Jill Bankston at (318) 357-4241 or at bankstonj@nsula.edu. For more information on the Demons Unlimited Foundation, go to nsudemons.com or contact Director of Development and Engagement Mike Jaworski at (318) 357-4295 or at jaworskim@nsula.edu.