UA Students Show School Spirit by Donating to Scholarships

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama students are being asked to show their school spirit by making small contributions to a UA scholarship fund for first-in-family college students through the SGA SPIRIT campaign. The campaign is part of the University’s “Our Students. Our Future.” $500 million capital campaign.

SPIRIT asks each UA student to donate $5 or less to the University. Last year’s campaign raised $13,000, providing scholarships for six students who were the first in their families to attend college. With one in six Alabama students being the first in their family to attend college, the need is great for first-in-family scholarship support.

“SPIRIT gives students several opportunities to provide scholarship support for other students,” said R.B. Walker, president of the Student Government Association at UA. “We have had a great deal of success with this program over the past few years, awarding a total of 16 scholarships to first generation college students.”

The campaign name – SPIRIT – was chosen by student organizers and stands for “Students Playing Important Roles in Tradition.” Participation in the campaign, which will run from Sept. 1 until Jan. 31, 2008, is much more important than the dollar amount raised, UA officials say.

“What is unique about the SPIRIT campaign is that the concept was created by the students. Its purpose is to empower students to make a difference in the lives of their fellow students,” said Alicia King, coordinator of the campaign and director of annual giving.

King said the University recognizes that many students make sacrifices to pay tuition and living expenses, and that the SPIRIT campaign is not intended to add to that financial burden. “In fact, there is no set monetary goal for the campaign,” she said. “Our objective is 100 percent student participation.”

Contributing to the SPIRIT campaign is easy for students. Students can swipe their Action Card, using BamaCash or Dining Dollars, at any official SPIRIT station set up at various locations across campus. Or, they can make a secure credit card donation at www.spirit.ua.edu. Cash and checks will also be accepted. Checks may be mailed to the SPIRIT campaign, Box 870122, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

The “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign‘s $500 million goal includes $250 million for student scholarships. The remaining funds are allocated to faculty support, facilities and priority needs.

For more information, contact Alicia King at 205/348-9316 or aking@advance.ua.edu.