Hundreds of signatures covered the Paws for Thanks banner
The giant black banner hung on an even bigger easel that looked like an old-school blackboard, right in the middle of the University Union’s second floor. The words “Thank you” jumped out in large, white block letters edged in Towson gold. What started with one signature in gold ink grew, over two hours, into a mass of metallic-scrawled sentiments that covered every inch of the canvas.
The banner was displayed in recognition of “Paws for Thanks,” a day on which Tigers “pawsed” to show their gratitude to donors whose gifts to the Towson University Foundation provide for scholarships, equipment, technologies, library resources, research, student and campus life activities, study abroad, and much more. Donors close a roughly 25-percent gap in the university’s operating funds every year.
“It’s really great because they don’t have to do it, they just want to do it,” said freshman John Diggs. “And I just think for them to be unselfish and to do this for us is really cool.”
The first-ever “Paws for Thanks” event drew an even bigger and more enthusiastic Tiger crowd when the TU Pep Band arrived to pump things up with help from Doc. Dozens of students pulled out their phones for pictures and videos. Several even started dancing.
A sharp eye may even have spied Interim President Timothy J. L. Chandler in the crowd, moving—just a bit—to the beat.
“Your generosity, your willingness to help others, to pay it forward, will make such a difference in the life of these young people,” Chandler said in a video message that will go directly to donors in coming months.
A few minutes later, TU football running back Darius Victor ’17 stepped up to the camera. His teammate, Jindu Chiazor ’18, of Silver Spring, had already asked to be in the video, and grabbed Victor to join him.
“My family doesn’t have much money,” said Victor, of Hyattsville, explaining why he wanted to be part of the action. “I’m here because of a scholarship.”
A student signs a donor thank you card
At a nearby table, students spun a wheel for a chance to win prizes while others signed personal messages on thank you cards that would be mailed to donors. College of Health Professions Dean Lisa Plowfield signed dozens of them. She had cleared time from her schedule to do it.
“When there’s a donor who has given to the university, they’ve given some thought about why they want to give, and where they want to give,” Plowfield said. “People’s resources are extremely important to them, so whether they’re donating time, talent or treasure, I’m willing to thank them.”
Those who wonder what donations do for students might have found answers posted all over campus. Oversized tags pointed out programs, services and resources that donors provide. The effort to increase awareness is already working; about 350 students themselves have given gifts since November, totaling more than $12,000—more than enough to pay for an in-state student’s tuition, fees and books for a whole year.
