MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University is rallying alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters for the fourth annual Mustangs for Life (M4L) Day, a 24-hour online giving event taking place Thursday, May 1.
“M4L Day is designed to unite and bring together alumni, faculty, staff, friends and Mustang fans for a 24-hour online giving event,” said Alyssa Miessner, Assistant Director of Development with the SMSU Foundation. “Supporters can make a gift to any area within campus—whether that’s a department, a student organization, or an athletic team.”
Donors can choose from 19 different causes, including academic programs, scholarships, athletic teams, and the Mustang Market, SMSU’s on-campus student food pantry.
This year, more than $13,000 in matching and bonus challenges will be available. For example, the first $2,500 donated to Mustang Market will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Other challenges include $1,000 bonuses for the department with the most funds raised, the sports team with the most donors, and for reaching donors in 25 different states.
Time-sensitive challenges add extra excitement: the first gift made at both midnight and noon on May 1 will unlock a $1,000 bonus for the designated fund.
A special on-campus celebration will also be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Upper Level of the Student Center to honor retiring President Kumara Jayasuriya. “He is a wonderful supporter of M4L Day and a lot of our efforts,” Miessner said. Attendees are encouraged to wear Mustang gear, with prizes awarded for school spirit.
“It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it’s a chance for the whole Mustang community to come together and make a big impact,” Miessner said. Early giving is already open at M4Lday.com, and those needing assistance can call or visit the Foundation office.
For updates, follow “SMSU Alumni and Foundation” on Facebook and Instagram.
