When Joanna Hao was a first-year computing science student, she received a scholarship that allowed her to focus on her studies and step into leadership in the computing science community. Now she’s helping organize one of the very events that inspired her: the U of A Programming Competition.
“Receiving those scholarships was empowering, knowing someone believed in my academic success,” she says. “That really drove me to excel."
On May 13, the 黑料不打烊 community will unite for — a 24-hour fundraising event focused on a powerful shared goal: supporting student success. This single-day, online crowdfunding campaign invites faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university to contribute to student awards, bursaries and transformative opportunities.
And this year, your gift can go even further.
Donations made on Giving Day will be matched up to a total of $100,000, effectively doubling the support for students, scholarships and the experiences donors care about most.
Giving Day gifts support students like Joanna — helping them grow, lead and give back.
From left to right: Elijah Vanderpuye, Hannah Boller, Kamryn Leslie (Photos: Alex Pugliese)
For Hannah Boller, an Augustana grad now pursuing her after-degree in elementary education, donor support meant she could say yes to transformative experiences — from studying abroad to working as a research assistant.
“Without donor-funded awards, my university journey would look a lot different,” she says.
This is what Giving Day makes possible: more doors opened, more futures shaped.
Kinesiology students Elijah Vanderpuye and Kamryn Leslie both say that financial support has made it possible to stay focused and involved at the U of A.
“As a student, it’s heartwarming to receive support,” says Elijah, a first-year student. “It makes you want to work harder.”
“Thanks to the support of these awards, I’ve been able to stay involved in the U of A community while keeping up with my studies,” adds Kamryn, in her third year. “I want to thank the donors so much for this opportunity. It means a lot to me.”
With the help of donors, more students like Elijah and Kamryn can stay focused — knowing someone believes in their success.
From left to right: Jayman Cannataro, Peter Van der Put, Elena Kushmanova (Photos: Alex Pugliese)
Jayman Cannataro, a mechanical engineering student, says his scholarships did more than ease financial pressure — they opened the door to global learning. With philanthropic support, Jayman took part in research placements in Montreal (where he worked entirely in French) and the United Kingdom. These experiences shaped his academic interests and inspired his next step: a master’s degree at the U of A.
“The support I received is what allowed me to take part in that learning opportunity,” he says.
Giving Day fuels bold ideas and hands-on learning — the kind of experience that stays with a student for life.
For Peter Van der Put, a third-year business student, scholarships helped him balance work, studies and family life. With a baby on the way, and both he and his wife in school, Peter says this generosity from donors has been essential to staying on track. He’s also found time to volunteer through the Therapeutic Music Club, singing for seniors in geriatric care.
“I’ve been able to dedicate more time to my education, join clubs, volunteer and worry less about my financial situation,” he says.
Elena Kushmanova, a graduate student in the nurse practitioner program, echoes that sentiment. A single mother and immigrant rebuilding her life in Canada, Elena says donor generosity helped her continue her studies while also supporting her daughter, who is also a U of A student.
“Your support is priceless,” she says. “Regardless how old we are, it’s always valuable and appreciated.”
Many of these supports also align with the university’s Shape the Future fundraising campaign — a bold, campus-wide effort to expand access, enhance experiential learning and ensure students have the tools they need to thrive.
These are just a few ofthe thousands of stories that Giving Day makes possible.
This Giving Day, you can help U of A students go further so they can go on to change the world. to choose a featured cause that speaks to you. By giving early, your gift can be matched, doubling your impact and helping the U of A maximize this powerful day of giving.
Together, we can spark potential, ease burdens and build a better future — one student, one story, one gift at a time.