by Sarah Bender
The tenth annual Giving CMU Day, themed “24 Hours of Tartan Power,” was celebrated on campus and online on Tuesday, December 3. Thanks to the incredible support from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University Libraries, over $66,000 was raised for four priority funds: Friends of the Library, Special Collections Acquisition Fund, Enhance Library Learning Spaces, and the IDeATe General Fund.
The Libraries also exceeded its challenge goal, with preliminary reporting showing that 124 unique donors contributed to a University Libraries fund. As a result, a family foundation in Pittsburgh will contribute an additional $25,000 to the Library Dean’s Discretionary Fund.
“Giving CMU Day continues to be a powerful reminder of the generosity and commitment of our Carnegie Mellon community. This year’s record-breaking support will help us expand our services and resources, fueling discovery and collaboration across disciplines,” said Keith Webster, Helen and Henry Posner, Jr. Dean of the University Libraries. “With the backing of our faculty, students, alumni and friends we are better positioned to advance research and innovation at CMU, ensuring the Libraries remain a dynamic hub for learning and creativity."
The day kicked off with a grab-and-go breakfast at Hunt Library and a giving table where participants could pick up special edition swag and learn more about the tangible impact of their support on the University Libraries. Attendees also had the opportunity to write special thank-you cards to donors who helped supercharge Libraries initiatives.
Hunt Library also participated in this year’s Scavenger Hunt Challenge. The Libraries’ Giving CMU Day Scottie dog was found in the fourth-floor fridge, a sculpture installed in the early 1990s by College of Fine Arts graduate Nicholas Madjerick. The student who found the Scottie unlocked an additional $250 for Carnegie Mellon Racing.
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