NEWS

The Tech Family and Friends raised more than $1.23 million to benefit Louisiana Tech University in its inaugural Giving Day, held Wednesday.

Almost 2,000 donors contributed to the total –  the largest number of donors giving during one day in Tech fundraising history. 

“Many individuals contributed to all areas of our campus yesterday,” said Dr. Les Guice, president of Louisiana Tech. “We are so grateful for their generosity. Their acts of caring will continue to help ignite innovation and help our campus recover from the April 25 tornado.”

The University Foundation established a Disaster Recovery Fund shortly after the storm, and almost $300,000 was raised during Giving Day for disaster relief funds alone.

This week, faculty and staff who suffered catastrophic losses during the storm began receiving recovery stipends. The funds were the first disbursement of the University’s new Disaster Recovery Fund.

“The tornado caused such incredible devastation on our campus and in our city, and the Foundation Board was proud to be able to make those funds available so quickly to faculty and staff,” said Brooks Hull, Vice President for University Advancement. “In the aftermath of the disaster, members of our Tech Family had immediate needs for food and shelter. The Foundation – with the help of many donors – was able to move to provide assistance for local families almost immediately.”

Faculty and staff who have suffered losses are able to apply for assistance through the Foundation office in the Marbury Alumni Center.

Student recovery stipends will also be given starting today. The application process for those funds is being handled through the Bulldog Achievement Resource Center (BARC).

“Giving Day exceeded expectations,” Guice said. “But we have learned never to underestimate loyalty of our alumni and friends. Their generous gifts on this day will help us get back on our feet, and they will help us to continue to make an impact on our city, state, and nation.”