The Stevens Institute of Technology was founded on February 15, 1870, by a bequest in the will of Edwin A. Stevens. Since then, philanthropy has continued to run throughout the school’s history. To commemorate this act, the Stevens community supports the student, staff, faculty, and administration that calls Stevens home. This year, like many in the past, Stevens’s Day of Giving was launched on February 15: Founder’s Day.
Stevens Day of Giving is an annual fundraiser that benefits organizations across the Stevens community. Inspired by the philanthropy of Edwin A. Stevens over 150 years ago that brought Stevens into being, Stevens Day of Giving continues the founder’s legacy by raising money for programs and events and supporting the school’s sense of community.
Many different programs receive funding from Stevens Day of Giving, offering donors options of who will benefit from their gifts. One choice is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund, which supports the Office of DEI in the events, services, and programs it offers to the Stevens community. Another option for donors is to contribute to sports teams. Donations to the athletes at Stevens can help provide equipment, travel funding, and more. Donors can also choose to support The Student Mental Health Programs Fund, which sponsors initiatives that advocate for mental health on campus. Other possible donation destinations include individual social fraternities and sororities and the Vibrant Campus Fund, which works on capital projects like the UCC, Stevens Athletics Facilities, and sustainability around campus. Additionally, as seen on signs across campus, donations can also help student organizations like the Stevens Dramatic Society or The Stute!
Stevens launched a website allowing sponsors to view and donate to this year’s Day of Giving. On the Day of Giving website, campaigns that are currently running are displayed, like the All Rise Challenge, the Day of Giving, and the Class of 2023 Class Gift. After choosing an event, donors can see the donation counter, some other sponsors, messages from the Stevens community, and other messages from and about the campaign. For example, for the 2023 Class gift, it’s noted that the first 200 donors will receive a complementary Stevens pint glass.
The Stevens community, consisting of students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, and friends of the university, is supported by numerous services, programs, events, and facilities. From sporting events to the School of Engineering and Sciences Dean’s Distinguished Lectures, donations can help support the institutions that make Stevens what it is. In commemoration of the legacy of the gift Edwin A. Stevens gave through the founding of this school, the Stevens community comes together to sponsor and support those who call Stevens home.
