#MoveInMiami connects Miami's past with the future

written by Vince Frieden, associate director, development communications

As Miami University’s first-year class of 2018 moved to campus last Thursday, the university community — alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff — came together to show their support for the entering class and for future generations of Miami students.

The #MoveInMiami day of giving campaign, a participation-driven effort that sought to involve 2,018 donors in support of the Class of 2018, brought together 3,257 donors and raised more than $506,000 in support of the university. Throughout the 20 hour and 18 minute campaign, donors surpassed four milestones — including those for the original goal of 2,018 donors and an additional challenge to reach 3,000 donors — and unlocked more than $160,000 in matching gifts.

“Move-in day is a beginning that each Miamian shares,” said Tom Herbert, vice president for university advancement. “The #MoveInMiami effort was a way not only to connect Miamians to memories of their own move-in days but also to help them relate that experience and those of the next four years to our entering class.  The response by the Miami family was tremendous, and we are particularly grateful for the active support and participation of our faculty and staff, including President David Hodge and University Ambassador Valerie Hodge.”

Included among the donors were graduates ranging from the class of 1951 to current students. Largely driven through social media, the effort included a residence hall competition (won by Emerson Hall), trivia and prizes throughout the day. Smaller fundraising efforts within the overall campaign raised funds for specific departments, programs and student organizations.

“The participation of alumni and friends in the financial support of our university is so important to Miami’s future, and #MoveInMiami set a new standard in terms of one-day donor participation,” Brad Bundy, senior associate vice president for development, said.  “Whether looking at the sheer participation and giving numbers or the stories and messages Miamians were sharing via social media all day, it was a day that made a powerful statement to our class of 2018.”