Coming back to campus after an extended winter break, MBU students found messages of support and encouragement on squirrel-shaped signs lining the sidewalks.
Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are once again boosting spirits as part of MBU’s second annual Deck the Hills campaign. That sense of welcoming warmth for students was perhaps even more important during the pandemic, showing how the MBU community rallies together despite distance and distancing.
“The support Mary Baldwin receives from campaigns like Deck the Hills is, in many ways, the fuel that propels us forward,” said Charles “Chuck” Davis, vice president of university advancement. “It is helping us create a safe environment for students amid the pandemic in real and tangible ways. As we begin the second half of the year, these gifts will continue to help us ensure that each and every student remains here, engaging with faculty, friends and mentors, just like generations before them.”
Donors of $100 or more were encouraged to write personalized messages for their signs, often illuminating shared experiences and hopes from alumni to students.
“Proud of the Mary Baldwin Community. Keep up the good work!”
Message from Jane Lee Harcus ’79
The Deck the Hills campaign also placed signs for the first time on the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences branch campus in Fishersville, including future healthcare practitioners in the outreach.
“Sending you love and encouragement to warm you this winter! You’ve got this!”
Message from Mahala Burn ’07, PhD, Program for the Exceptionally Gifted alumna
Together, 197 donors contributed a total of $87,013 to the end-of-year fundraising effort, more than doubling the university’s goal of $40,000.
“Welcome home to this magical place. Here’s to 2021 being a great year for all of us!”
Message from Janie Huske Satterfield ’70
At its heart, Deck the Hills supports the many relationships fostered at Mary Baldwin through meaningful experiences both inside and out of the classroom.
Creating opportunities for students to bridge in-person and virtual collaboration in course projects and equipping them for the future of work. Enabling education students to continue student teaching and mentoring children in local K-12 schools. Harnessing technology to run an extracurricular event virtually. Through all these examples and more, donor support has enabled MBU to adapt the pandemic’s new normal so that students can continue to pursue their passions.
MBU thanks all of its loyal donors who steadfastly support the #MBUfamily.
“Enjoy your time on these beautiful hills. You are getting an amazing foundation for the rest of your life!”
Message from Rebecca Stevens Teaff ’99