This year has been one for the record books. And now, CEU alumni around the world are being asked to close and eventful 2020 by standing together in support of their university.
Last month several CEU Board of Trustees members, led by author and Board Development Committee Chair Kati Marton, pledged $100,000 in matching funds to the university. With their pledge, they challenged alumni to join them in giving at the close of one of CEU’s most challenging years. See video.
Through the #StrongerTogetherCEU campaign, from now until December 31, the board members will match every alumni gift to CEU, dollar for dollar – effectively doubling the impact of every alumni contribution.
The challenge seeks to raise $100,000 to support CEU next year. Additionally, the campaign seeks to rally alumni around the world and demonstrate the power of solidarity, through giving and online events.
The campaign was officially launched on Monday, Nov 30 during the university’s first-ever virtual Day of Thanks event, which celebrated the support of CEU alumni and friends from around the world. Hosted by Kati Marton, the event featured appearances by President and Rector Michael Ignatieff, plus distinguished alumni, current Alumni Scholarship Recipients, plus faculty and staff.
“It’s been an extraordinary 30 years,” Marton told attendees. “We’re here to celebrate your role in that.”
While campaign organizers recognize the difficulty many alumni may face at this time, those who are in a position to give, in whatever amount, are urged to take this opportunity this month to maximize their impact for CEU in 2021.
2020 has been extraordinarily difficult for CEU, which shifted the bulk of its teaching to Vienna while negotiating the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Alumni giving and volunteering has proved crucial to the university and students.
The #StrongerTogetherCEU challenge ends at midnight, December 31. Alumni are urged to follow campaign progress, and attend their local online meetups now and throughout the month.