Miranda Coulthard / Winonan
Winona State University’s campus was covered in tags the week of Feb. 15-18, but this was not someone’s idea of a prank. These tags were placed on items to educate students, staff and faculty on the objects on campus established through donations.
I Love WSU Week was a series of events during the week which focused on honoring the individuals who made the donations. The events were hosted by the Winona State Foundation, the Alumni Office, the Council for Advancement, Support of Education the Student Organization of Alumni Relations and many others.
This week focused on educating students about philanthropies and honoring donors, according to Heather Kosik, the director of Alumni Relations. Kosik said students should know the importance of philanthropies.
“It’s not a scary to talk about philanthropy,” Kosik said.
The four-day event started with the All-U Campaign Kick-Off, where Winona State President Olson and Winona State student Jenny Connell spoke a little about the event. Tuesday was Tag Day, the day when the markers first appeared on donated items. Wednesday was Get the Scoop Day, featuring free ice cream and information on philanthropies in exchange for a signed “thank you” cards to donors. The events wrapped up on Thursday with I Love WSU Day. Students were asked on this day about what they loved about Winona State, and even Wazoo made an appearance at this event.
The items that displayed “I AM HERE BECAUSE OF DONORS” tags on it this week was made possible by the donations Winona State receives through various avenues, including the Phonathon. Buildings like the Integrated Wellness Complex, which according to Winona State student Mariah Kaercher, was funded completely by donations, would not have been possible.
A Phonathon is a program which uses student callers to build relationships and raise money for the university. Many of these donations come from individuals in the alumni community.
Kaercher, a Phonathon director and caller, said if students knew more about the impact of donations they would not be so hesitant to pick up the phone after they graduated when the Phonathon called to ask for donations.
A lot of the items donated to the campus include paintings and other art work were treasures that donors wished to share with Winona State.
Kosik also stressed the importance of donations but pointed out how the donations do not have to always be money.
“Stay engaged in the university. Come back and speak to classrooms. Help us plan events. Volunteer with us,” Kosik said. “We work more for that time and talent piece. And then we hope that when you are in a position to give back some of that treasure, you think of the things that were most meaningful to you when you were here at Winona State.”
