Philanthropy Month at Missouri S&T celebrates giving, progress and the philanthropic spirit.

During the month of April, students, faculty and staff take the time to thank donors and volunteers for their generosity. But it’s more than that. Philanthropy Month is designed to raise awareness about the power of giving at S&T.

“We want current students to understand that philanthropy is rooted in helping other people,” says Katie Jackson, assistant director of the Miner Alumni Association and an organizer of Philanthropy Month. “So, activities during the month also focus on reaching out to students as well as those in need.”   

All month, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) is partnering with Blue Key Honor Society to raise money for Spirit of Change. Spirit of Change provides funds for student support and random acts of kindness around campus. In the past, Spirit of Change has awarded a $500 book scholarship, and students involved in the effort have handed out free umbrellas on rainy days and added change to expired parking meters on campus.

Organizers will staff a movable booth during April for students, faculty and staff to make donations to the program. Donations of over $5 will be matched dollar for dollar by the university.  Look inside the front cover of this issue to see how you can help.

Green tags bearing the message “We Give Because We’re Miners” will be placed on equipment, buildings and offices that were funded in some part by charitable gifts. University personnel will hand out T-shirts with that same message to students and then perform random acts of kindness by passing out gift cards to students spotted wearing the shirt.

STAT will also host a month-long scavenger hunt as part of Philanthropy Month. Members will release philanthropy-related clues each week for students to search for on campus.

Through Philanthropy Month events, organizers and participants alike see firsthand the giving spirit that unites Miners.