Give back for scholarships on #GivingTuesday

Most people know about the Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending sprees after Thanksgiving. But there’s a lesser-known holiday making its way on the scene: #GivingTuesday.

UIC student trustee Danielle Leibowitz takes an “unselfie” for #GivingTuesday.

On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday is a global day devoted to giving back. “This movement is a statement that says, ‘OK, everybody spent a lot of money on themselves; now it’s time to think about others,’” said Jeff Nearhoof, vice chancellor for development.

The movement has sparked an outburst of philanthropic celebration on social media with the hashtag #GivingTuesday. Another aspect of the holiday — posting an #unselfie, showing how you give back.

This year, UIC’s Office of Development will encourage students and employees to donate to campus funds and scholarships at booths set up around campus Tuesday. Those who give $5 or more (or bring a receipt showing their online donation) get a superhero cape that says, “I did something heroic for UIC!”

“Every gift matters,” Nearhoof said. “State funding makes a difference, but philanthropy can set us apart and make more things happen on campus.”

The Office of Development is highlighting 17 “UIC Superheroes” whose gifts have an impact on student life. Read their stories online.