ReFuel, the annual giving campaign launched last week to benefit four student-centered initiatives at the School of Information Studies (iSchool), has passed its first milestone of $5,000 raised, triggering a dollar-for-dollar match gift from iSchool Board of Advisors Chair Craig Cornelius ’88.
“The iSchool provides a wide variety of learning opportunities for students – on campus, in the greater Syracuse area, across the U.S. and throughout the world,” noted Cornelius. “As a board member I often get to hear firsthand from the students that have benefitted from these wonderful opportunities, which makes it even more meaningful to provide support during the ReFuel annual campaign.”
The ReFuel crowdfunding campaign re-ignites innovation at the iSchool. Each gift that is made to the ReFuel campaign, that began on March 24, is a step towards challenge funding offered by iSchool Board of Advisors members, including Sam Clarvit ’10, Steve Marsh ’97, and Jorge Nario. Every donor contribution supports the student experience at the iSchool.
The four initiatives vying for the top slot in challenge funding are: iSchool Road Trips, Student Immersion Programs, Library Innovation, and Women in Information Technology.
Gifts to each ReFuel initiative count as a “vote” for challenge funding for that initiative, and the total support contributed through this effort ensures that all of these programs will benefit iSchool students in the years to come.
The initiative that receives the greatest number of gifts by the end of the 44-day challenge will receive $8,000 in challenge funding. The second place program will earn $5,000, third place will earn $4,000, and fourth place will earn $3,000.
“I am grateful to Craig for his generous matching gift in support of these important student programs,” said Kim Pietro, Assistant Dean for Advancement at the iSchool. “Craig’s support adds to the energy of this crowdfunding-style campaign, and I appreciate his leadership as we work together to keep us moving forward – we have just 38 days left!”