On Tuesday, UT Dallas alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends will come together for the University’s inaugural Comets Giving Day, an 18-hour online fundraising drive to benefit students and initiatives across campus.

“Beyond the opportunity to raise funds for the University, this initiative connects the entire UT Dallas community through a common goal of supporting schools, centers, scholarships, athletics and other programs,” said Dr. Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president for development and alumni relations at UT Dallas. “On Tuesday, we hope our alumni and friends will answer the call by making a gift to support areas most important to them.”

Dollars raised will be tracked, leaderboard-style, on the giving day website. Matching and challenge opportunities will be announced throughout the day to increase the impact of contributions. Donors will be able to unlock bonus funds by meeting challenges sponsored by various supporters, and some gifts will qualify for additional matching funds.

Carter Pate MS’03, retired chief executive officer of MV Transportation in Dallas and his wife, Angela, committed to a challenge gift that will establish the first accounting scholarship in the Naveen Jindal School of Management.

“Alumni giving is important to the rankings — even if it’s $20 a month or whatever you can afford,” said Pate, a 2015 Distinguished Alumnus. “You’ve paired yourself up with the (UT Dallas) brand, so it elevates your own personal achievement to be an alumnus of this school.”

“Beyond the opportunity to raise funds for the University, this initiative connects the entire UT Dallas community through a common goal of supporting schools, centers, scholarships, athletics and other programs. ”

Dr. Kyle Edgington PhD’13,
vice president for development and alumni relations

To encourage other UT Dallas graduates to give, the Pate contribution will be unlocked after a set number of supporters make gifts.

There are several ways to be part of the day in person, as well as online. Giving stations throughout campus will provide opportunities to make gifts, thank donors and spread the word on social media. 

Comets Giving Day kicks off at 6 a.m. and ends at midnight. Participants can use the hashtag #CometsGive2017 to join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Sign up today to be a giving day ambassador to spread the word and encourage giving. Visit the Comets Giving Day website to learn more.