Tennessee Tech’s eighth annual “I Heart Tech Students” campaign is underway, raising money to assist students in need.
Tennessee Tech Assistant Director for Annual Giving Jessica Davis said the campaign is the biggest one of the year and raises funds and awareness for student-focused areas on campus. Davis said donations can be made to help programs like the Eagle Assistance Grant.
“That is a really great thing that is set aside for a student who is down on their luck,” Davis said. “They can go and get help with like a need that comes where they don’t have the money to afford to get like their flat tire fixed or something like that, where they just need that extra help. They can apply for this Eagle Assistance Grant, and it can help all students regardless of their major.”
Davis said donations to Tennessee Tech’s colleges help fund training equipment and student scholarships. She added that this year presents a unique opportunity for students to give, as Trustee Trudy Harper will contribute $100 for every $10 donated by a student during this year’s campaign.
“Now their $10 is making a $110 impact, and that works if they decide to donate $20,” Davis said. “She donates $200, so it’s a $220 impact, and on and on. So that is such an incredible opportunity for a student to take a small gift and for it to truly impact their fellow Golden Eagles.”
Davis said the campaign started eight years ago and has stuck ever since.
“It was originally started to get faculty and staff involved and give them an opportunity to make a gift to help support students on campus, but also to have a public day of giving,” Davis said. “And it was started on February 14, which is obviously Valentine’s Day. So that’s where the heart came from, the ‘I Heart Tech Students.’ And it went through March 27, which is our Founders’ Day.”
Davis said the campaign no longer starts on Valentine’s Day and this year is running from Feb. 27 to March 27. Davis said alumni, business owners, the community, and students can donate online.