On April 2, Oklahoma Wesleyan University took part in Give Day, a virtual event that invited students, alumni, and friends of the university to take part in giving towards student scholarships.
The tagline for the event was “One Day of Extraordinary Generosity,” and that word describes the response perfectly: extraordinary! Over $179,000 was generously given, including single donations ranging from $10, to $35,000, to an $85,000 gift!
One tremendous aspect of this event was that it occurred in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The OKWU community came together despite tremendous obstacles, connecting virtually.
For President Jim Dunn, Give Day itself goes back to a core mission of an OKWU education. “What we do here as a university is that we want you to get an education, we want you to be developed – the whole person transformed by the Grace and Truth of Jesus Christ,” he said. “The way that we do this, that we thrive as a university, is because of gifts and because of prayers.”
OKWU students and donors spread the word on social media, shared videos, and posted with #OKWUGiveDay. The overwhelming message of students is gratitude.
“We want you to get an education, we want you to be developed – the whole person transformed by the Grace and Truth of Jesus Christ.”
“Thank you so much for investing in the life-giving community OKWU provides, and all of the students who benefit from it,” Ben Bender, sophomore, said. “As I look back over my last two years at OKWU, I am amazed to see how much God has used my campus experience to humble and grow me in life and leadership, to a degree I didn’t even know was needed. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to learn more of Christ, His Word, myself, and how I can impact culture with the lordship of Christ. That would not have been possible without your gracious contribution.”
It’s not too late to donate to OKWU Give Day at okwu.edu/giveday. And even if not contributing financially, OKWU is thankful for the extensive network of prayer partners lifting the university in prayer.
“We would love to have your prayers every day,” President Dunn said. “Thank you for everything you do to support OKWU so that we can launch every student towards Christ.”
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to learn more of Christ, His Word, myself, and how I can impact culture with the lordship of Christ. That would not have been possible without your gracious contribution.”
