College surpasses $100K goal in virtual banquet fundraiser

Like nearly all events since the arrival of COVID-19, the college’s 20th Annual Banquet that was to take place on April 22 never happened. The event – the college’s largest event of the year that typically draws over 800 people – is traditionally the primary fundraiser for undergraduate student research projects, so its cancellation left students and staff alike nervous about limited funding and opportunities in the year to come.

Additionally, with massive cuts to the university’s general fund and tuition revenues projected, student projects are expected to rely more on financial support from sources outside of the university, like the industry partners that typically contribute to the banquet.

But social distancing did not stop the college from taking its fundraising efforts online with a “virtual fundraiser.” The team set a goal of $100,000 from those industry partners by April 22nd, which would have been the date of the banquet, with all contributions being 100% tax deductible.

Thanks to the college’s dedicated community of supporters, fundraising efforts exceeded this goal by bringing in $119,850, generated through over 50 unique gifts coming from both organizations and individuals in amounts ranging from $50 to $5,000.

“We truly appreciate every effort, big and small, to support the College in these uncertain times,” said Dean Brennon Morioka. “These monies will allow us to fund next year’s round of student projects and activities to continue fostering learning, innovation, and professional development within our student population.”

Watch his message of thanks to those who helped out:

Additionally, students benefiting from these efforts expressed their gratitude in their own
way: