College, Horse Center Hold Successful Giving Day

The Huntley College of Agriculture and the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center celebrated a successful Giving Day this year, thanks to their supporters.

The college raised $17,697 during the university’s 36-hour campaign on April 22-23. In addition, the horse center raised $4,285.

“We’re very grateful for the support that our donors showed for us, our students, and our mission,” Interim Dean Lisa Kessler said. “We’re especially appreciative because this semester has been extremely challenging, particularly for our students.”

Students in the college served as campaign ambassadors, sharing the campaign on their personal social media accounts and by email. Lizbeth Castaneda-Garcia was the top student ambassador, garnering the highest level of activity on the campaign website.

The bulk of funds raised by the college this Giving Day - $11,277 – was allocated to its new Emergency Assistance Program fund. Dean’s Advisory Council members Rose Epperson and Mike Sencer, along with his wife Jakki, contributed a combined $7,500, matching donor contributions to the fund on Giving Day.

When the coronavirus pandemic initially began, the generosity of an anonymous donor helped initiate the Emergency Assistance Program.  The fund is designed to help students who face unexpected financial challenges and find it difficult to cover their basic needs like purchasing groceries and covering housing expenses.

American Ag Credit also donated $2,000 to match funds that were contributed to scholarships for agribusiness and food industry management students during the campaign. 

April Kilbourne, the horse center’s student activities coordinator, garnered the most activity of all the faculty and staff who participated in the Giving Day campaign. For her efforts, the horse center will receive an additional $150.

Giving Day is the university’s largest annual fundraising event. It is organized by the university’s Annual Fund.

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