Several milestones reached during inaugural Philanthropy Week
The week of April 8-12 marked the first Philanthropy Week at Campbell, a week dedicated to the spirit of giving and recognizing the many who have contributed to the university, making the Campbell experience possible for its students.
Philanthropy Week is a new tradition at Campbell, but generosity has always been at the heart of those associated with the university. This year, the week of thanks included Thank-A-Giver (TAG) Day, the Keith Family Ballroom dedication and the Employee Giving Appreciation BBQ.
Alumni step up
The week also included an unexpected display of generosity by the Alumni Board of Directors on Saturday, April 13. The group met for its quarterly meeting and was tasked with selecting a recipient of the TAG Day scholarship winner, which results in $1,000 given to the student who creates the “best” TAG Day video.
The group unanimously decided that there were three standout videos and that each should receive the scholarship. The close-to-30 members of the board in attendance that day then immediately raised the extra $2,000 needed to provide three scholarships in an inspiring act of generosity.
“Watching the alumni board come together and raise money to support students in a matter of minutes is why I love being a part of this Campbell community,” Director of Annual Giving Robin Gordon said. “The people here help each other and make real change with their efforts. It was a proud day for my office to go back to these students with enough scholarship funds for all three of them.”
TAG Day and Philanthropy Cord Milestone
Wednesday, April 10 was TAG Day, which offered students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to thank those who make the Campbell experience special. The TAGs, placed on and within various buildings and spots on campus, served as a visual representation of donor generosity.
Students, faculty, and staff embraced the day of thanks with vigor this year, sharing their appreciation for the spots on campus which mean the most to them. Students wrote thank you notes to donors in another token of appreciation.
Throughout the week, graduating seniors picked up their Philanthropy Cords for at the Philanthropy Lab located inside the Cornelia Campbell Alumni House. Graduation cords are provided to students who showed their commitment to giving back by making a gift of $20.24 to Campbell, in honor of their graduation year.
The initiative was a huge success, as 100 graduating students chose to participate.
“I am particularly proud of our students, who participated in our programs this week giving back to their alma mater as well as taking time out to harness stewardship,” Gordon said. “We had over 300 students write thank you cards to those that give to Campbell.”
Keith Family Ballroom dedication
On Thursday, April 11, members of the Keith family gathered with University cabinet members and staff to celebrate the naming of the Keith Family Ballroom, the largest room in Campbell’s Oscar N. Harris Student Union, which opened in 2020. 
The Keith name is synonymous with Campbell University. Going back over 100 years, when a young man named Fred Keith arrived on the campus of then Buies Creek Academy in 1916, Keiths have contributed to the growth and success of the school. Read more.
Employee Giving Appreciation BBQ
On Friday, April 12, Mission BBQ catered a luncheon at Saylor Park held for employees who gave back to Campbell this fiscal year. The Employee Giving Campaign wrapped up at 78 percent.
Faculty and staff enjoyed a delicious spread and welcomed the clear skies and opportunity to enjoy the company of their colleagues.
A new tradition
University Advancement leadership reported being extremely pleased with the launch of Philanthropy Week and envision it being a staple going forward.
“In the debut of Philanthropy Week, the buy-in ignited success across campus, showcasing collective engagement. From faculty and staff to students and donors, our events of the week offered something for everyone,” Gordon said.
VP for Institutional Advancement Britt Davis said Philanthropy Week is a great fit for the Campbell calendar.
“It’s an opportunity for the campus community to honor and applaud the impact Campbell alumni, friends, and faculty and staff have on the university mission and the ability of our students to afford a life-changing Campbell education,” he said. “Philanthropy is more than just money—it’s a personal commitment to the mission and purpose of Campbell University. We celebrate those who are philanthropic to Campbell through their time, talent, and treasure.”