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Comets Giving Day Takes On Extra Meaning as University’s 50th Anniversary Finale
Event Will Last 1,969 Minutes in Recognition of UT Dallas' Birth Year

In 2019, Comets Giving Day included a table on the Margaret McDermott Mall where students could write thank-you notes to supporters.

In commemoration of UT Dallas’ 50th anniversary, the fourth annual Comets Giving Day will last 1,969 minutes from Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. until Aug. 6 at 6:49 p.m. More than 50 campus groups will participate in the extended day of giving with a challenge to raise $1 million.

In 1969 the 61st Texas Legislature passed House Bill 303, establishing “a state-supported institution of higher education to be known as The University of Texas at Dallas.”

“We began this year celebrating everything that’s made UT Dallas great for the past half-century. The resilience and caring shown by our community over the last few months have demonstrated just how great we really are. Comets Giving Day is a time for us to stand together and contribute to the future of this place we all love.”

Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president for development and alumni relations

Since 2017 the annual giving event has raised more than $1.2 million for causes across the University. Rescheduled from its original date in April, this year’s Comets Giving Day will allow students, alumni and friends to renew connections and rally around common goals.

“We began this year celebrating everything that’s made UT Dallas great for the past half-century,” said Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president for development and alumni relations. “The resilience and caring shown by our community over the last few months have demonstrated just how great we really are. Comets Giving Day is a time for us to stand together and contribute to the future of this place we all love.”

Public-health safety measures may have altered how Giving Day is observed, but the Comet community will still celebrate together this year with a parade of decorated cars around campus and via several other virtual events over the two-day period.

Gifts can be made online, and many individual donations will unlock extra support through challenges and matching opportunities provided by generous sponsors.

Participants can use the hashtag #COMETogetherUTD to join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and monitor challenges and live leaderboards on the Giving Day website.

Become a Giving Day Digital Ambassador

 

Digital ambassadors have raised more than $120,000 for campus groups during past Giving Days. If you are a current or former member of a campus organization or just want to make a difference for the Comet community, join the 2020 digital ambassador team by:

  • Posting on social media.
  • Sharing messages, and encouraging alumni and friends to support UT Dallas.
  • Participating in exclusive Comets Giving Day challenges.
  • Designating additional funds to favorite campus entities.

Visit the Comets Giving Day ambassador page for more information and to sign up.

Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].