Say Thanks Day, an annual event during which students are encouraged to thank those who financially support Harding, will be hosted by Generation HU and the Office of Advancement on Wednesday, March 21.

Andi Haney, Generation HU director and a primary facilitator of the event, said the day has a two-fold purpose.

“First, it’s a day to educate the students on how important the generous donors are to Harding and how much of a difference they make,” Haney said. “Secondly, it’s also a day to show the donors gratitude for their gifts to Harding, as well as show that the students care.”

One third of the cost of student tuition is covered by money from donors, according to Haney. As an example of the costs of running a university, Haney noted that Harding spends $45,206.12 annually on toilet paper. Additionally, funds for most of the buildings on Harding’s campus were donated. Donors alleviate these costs from being included in student tuition.

Freshman Davis Rowan, a student on the Young Alumni board with Generation HU, who plans on working at the event. said stations will be set up around campus for students to write a note of thanks to a donor as well as to the faculty and staff. In the student center, students can exchange a thank-you note for a donut.

“A lot of students rely on scholarships to come to school here, and we couldn’t have those without (donors),” Rowan said.

Senior Julie Plunket served as the head of alumni relations for the Student Association last year, which led her to volunteering at Say Thanks Day.

“It is just a great day to thank donors for the scholarships they help provide, which lessens the financial burden for the students,” Plunket said. “In the past, they have called some of the donors to thank them personally.”

This year, the organizers are not asking the students to make calls. Instead, they are asking students to write notes, post on social media and sign banners in the student center. Additionally, a new software program will be available, in the Heritage which will allow students that enables them to send video emails to donors. Haney said she is excited about the new opportunity the program provides students.

“I just want to encourage students to take part in the day to make a difference, because it really does mean a lot to donors when you say thank you.

For more information about Say Thanks Day, contact Andi Haney at ahaney@harding.edu.