Midland University has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Midland has set a goal to raise $10,000 on Nov. 29 to continue to offer students an individualized collegiate experience.

#GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Its goal is to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities, and to give back in impactful ways to the causes they support.

At Midland, donations can be made at www.midlandu.edu/givenow. Those donations will help the university:

• Prepare to launch new programs that connect students’ passions with business and community needs in the region.
• Pull technology into the classroom in new ways that help tailor learning to students’ individual needs.
• Support students as they continue to learn and lead in the classroom, on the playing field and on the stage.
• Enhance spaces where students meet to live, learn, engage and create lasting friendships.
• Secure a strong financial position for sustainability and future investment in students and the community.

“We at Midland University are extremely grateful for the unwavering community support we receive throughout the year. Our participation in #GivingTuesday provides a convenient way for our alumni, donors and business partners to assist our students in pursuing their passions,” Midland University President Jody Horner said. “As we enter into this joyous holiday season, I encourage everyone to explore ways to give to others.”

Midland students have found several ways to give back to the Fremont area throughout the past year. Students have raised money to fight cancer, fund Alzheimer’s disease research and support those who suffered traumatic brain injuries.

A sampling of activities includes:

• Student Nursing Association and the Warrior baseball team held a blood drive on Nov. 16.
• Phi Omega raised $900 through T-shirt sales toward breast cancer research and awareness. Funds for pediatric cancer research and awareness were raised with the assistance of Northwestern Mutual during a home volleyball game.
• Warrior soccer players raised more than $700 for BIANE, a non-profit organization focused on prevention, education, advocacy, and support for families and individuals who have suffer concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries.
• Student organizations competed in Thrivent Financial’s ActionTank Series to raise funds for several causes.
• Campus Ministries is participating in Operation Christmas Child, with a goal of collecting 50 boxes. Last year, 32 boxes were collected.
• Cardinal Key is raising funds to be donated to the JDRF Diabetes Foundation.
• Warrior athletic teams have provided assistance to groups such as Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity and Hope Center Fremont.

On #GivingTuesday, Midland will host a canned food drive to benefit Low Income Ministry of Dodge County from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can be dropped off on the second floor of the Olson Student Center or in the atrium of the Anderson Building. During the day, students will make placemats and pictures for patients at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha.

“Midland University students continually find ways to give back to the community,” Vice President for Student Affairs Merritt Nelson said. “Students are passionate about so many causes, and we encourage them to discover the many different avenues to show their support for those causes.”

Midland University, located just minutes from Omaha in Fremont, Neb., offers more than 30 majors and academic programs, and two graduate programs. Home to the 4-Year Graduation Guarantee, Midland emphasizes hands-on, one-on-one learning. Midland offers 31 varsity-level sports and provides more than 250 performance opportunities in theater, music and dance.

#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners – nonprofits, businesses and corporations as well as families and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. To learn more, visit www.givingtuesday.org.