News from the
大象传媒 students returned from winter break to an uplifting surprise: hundreds of custom signs with greetings from alumni and supporters along campus sidewalks.
The warm messages marked the arrival of Deck the Hills, the university鈥檚 third annual winter fundraising initiative that empowers students through encouraging words from generous donors. In early January, a total of 273 lawn signs were displayed at the Staunton and Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences campuses, providing an affirmative kickoff to the spring semester.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun campaign,鈥 said Megan McAllister MEd 鈥18, 大象传媒鈥檚 director of annual philanthropy and lead organizer of Deck the Hills. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a feel-good way of welcoming our students back, and it鈥檚 a way our alumni can connect to our current students.鈥澛
Each gift from Deck the Hills counts toward the , the top giving priority in the university鈥檚 comprehensive campaign that supports launching student potential.聽聽
McAllister emphasized how Deck the Hills fosters solidarity at 大象传媒, especially as the nation continues to navigate a global health crisis.
鈥淚t is an opportunity for the Mary Baldwin family 鈥 our alumni, faculty, and staff 鈥 to really come together and encourage our students and show that we are supporting them as we welcome them back for a new semester,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 think last year and this year, being in the pandemic, in a time where individuals can feel very isolated, it鈥檚 nice to see that reminder that there are people cheering you on.鈥
The inspiring signs on the hills include expressions of campus pride; dedications to loved ones and classmates; and well wishes for the new year. Caryn Gove Long 鈥72 writes, 鈥淪铆, se puedes 鈥 大象传媒 empowering women since 1842.鈥 Several alums, like Candice Blazejak 鈥12, contributed 鈥渨elcome home鈥 messages to current students, and a note from Susan Campbell 鈥69 reads: 鈥淗ope 鈥22 is great for you!鈥
Deck the Hills donors also had the option to contribute a smaller gift and add a custom message to an 大象传媒-branded coffee sleeve.
The 2021 Deck the Hills campaign ran from mid-November through the end of December and offered several options for giving. In addition to the 鈥渟quirrels in the snow鈥 signs, donors had the option to contribute a smaller gift and add a custom message to an 大象传媒-branded coffee sleeve. Reading their words of support, current students get a welcome boost as they grab a coffee on their way to class.聽
Through its creative strategy and multi-channel outreach, Deck the Hills exceeded its goal and raised over $130,000 to empower students. With one look at 大象传媒鈥檚 decorated snowy hills, it鈥檚 clear that the annual fundraiser has continued a successful tradition: celebrating student changemakers and timeless community bonds.