Trojans Give Back to heart of DSU

September 18, 2024

Trojans gathered during homecoming to serve, support, and celebrate through service projects in the Madison community and to donate to scholarship funds. Previously referred to as DSU’s Day of Service and Day of Giving, this year, the events were combined under the new name Trojans Give Back on Thursday, Sept. 12.

A total of 953 students, faculty, and staff contributed 2,709 service hours to more than 40 projects in Madison. And over 1,200 Trojan supporters raised over $335,000 for student scholarships, exceeding the goal of $300,000. These are all increases over last year’s totals.

Trojan family members assisted with cleanups around town, working with local business owners like Dakota Cinema, and provided donations to organizations such as the Domestic Violence Network.

“As always, we have heard amazing things from our project locations and the community,” said Mandy Hendrix, event organizer and director of student engagement and leadership. “They are impressed with our students, faculty, and staff and very thankful for the help they received.”

A total of 1,231 donors gave $335,460 to support 16 different areas, including athletics, academics, clubs, research, and more.

“We are thrilled to have surpassed our fundraising goal to support the heart of DSU, our students,” said Jill Ruhd, senior director of philanthropy with institutional advancement. “We’re thankful for the staff, faculty, alumni, supporters, and sponsors who made this possible.”

“Congratulations to all our donors for the generous spirit of giving you have demonstrated for the benefit of future students,” said President José-Marie Griffiths.