So much has already changed on campus since I was a freshman in the fall of 2021, but alumni and friends of the University can remember what AU was like years ago. Many campus improvements have been supported by A Day, but what is A Day?  

You will hear the phrase “A Day to give” or “Anderson Day” associated with A Day, but what does that actually mean? 

Every year Anderson University calls on the campus community to support their cause. Colleges and schools identify where they need support or funding and turn it into an A Day cause. These causes can be anything from scholarships for students to creating new resources to enhancements for our campus. Campus Ministries and athletic programs also benefit from A Day; you can see all of the causes for this year here. 

A Day means a lot to me because my first day as a social media content creator for Anderson University was A Day in 2022. We were all dressed in black and gold, running around campus taking videos, filming interviews, and capturing all the little moments of the day. The Student Government Association had so much planned for students to do and everyone was on campus to celebrate our school. One of my favorite activities that is coming back this year is a huge paint-by-number mural! Being a part of the celebration that day taught me how much there is about our community to celebrate. 

As a current student, A Day reminds me to be thankful for our campus community. Without A Day gifts, my education and financial aid would not be the same. I wear black and gold every A Day to show my support for our school and be a part of the celebration. 

As a theatrical design student, I have benefited so much from our design lab, funded by A Day. Because of other’s generosity, I have experience with 3D printing and rendering software for designing costumes and sets. Our design lab also gives us a place to hold production meetings and new design classes. Students across campus in all different majors have access to important educational resources because of A Day gifts. 

As a senior, A Day is an opportunity to give back to AU by donating to the senior class gift. This year, the senior gift is a marble plaque that will be put in front of Merritt Administration building in honor of our alma mater with the inscription, “there’s one thing that only God can know; What Anderson means to me.” Past gifts have included the clock in the Quad, the Trojan head in front of the Trojan Fieldhouse, and the bench and pavers beside P. Whitty’s. 

As a sophomore, I wasn’t able to financially participate in A Day, so instead, I focused on participating in the activities the day-of, wearing black and gold, and writing thank you letters to people who helped make my education possible. Another simple thing you can do is post on social media using the #adaytogive. Telling others about your AU story helps to show a tangible impact of past gifts.  

In short, A Day is an AU celebration—of all the alumni who have gone before, of where we are, and more importantly, where we are going. I hope you will join us!