ATHENS, Ohio -- Some lucky Ohio University student will win free tuition for winter quarter this weekend.
A festive band-playing, carnival-style event on the "Front Four Field" of campus (in front of Crawford, Mackinnon, Pickering and Brown halls between East and South greens) will kick off the student portion of Ohio University's $200 million Bicentennial Campaign. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21.
The event is sponsored by the Student Campaign Advancement Committee and will feature the bands "Red Wanting Blue," "Uncle Feely Hands" and Ohio University's marching band, the "Marching 110." The event, which is part of Parents Weekend, includes raffles, games and food.
The top three raffle prizes will be drawn at Saturday's 1 p.m. football game vs. Iowa State at Peden Stadium. First prize is free tuition for winter quarter. Second prize is a free 14-meal plan for winter quarter and third prize includes free books for a quarter. University Food Services donated the meal plan and Specialty Books donated the books.
About 50 other prizes, which were donated by area merchants, will be raffled away during Friday's event. Raffle tickets are $2 apiece or three for $5, and are being sold daily at the College Gate. They will also be sold at the event.
"This will mark the first time that Ohio University students have been this intimately involved with raising money during a campaign," said Rick Harrison, assistant dean for development in Student Affairs. "Over the course of the campaign, they are striving to raise a minimum of $100,000 toward the proposed new student center and to encourage other student-based efforts, such as the Greek community's commitment of $50,000 to the Greek Leadership Fund."
During the kickoff event, students will be encouraged to make a pledge to the student portion of the Bicentennial Campaign.
"Until now, it's only upon graduation that new alumni are solicited to contribute to the university," said Amy Vargas-Tonsi, a member of the student Campaign Advancement Committee. "If giving back to the community which has been a big part of our lives doesn't start here, it doesn't seem to be as sincere. A financial contribution doesn't have to come in the form of $50 or $100 donations. It can be as simple as donating $1 a day."
"This portion of the Bicentennial Campaign is especially meaningful since it involves current Ohio University students supporting the university," Vice President for University Advancement Leonard Raley said. "The Foundation Board wanted to include student participation in the campaign, and we're so proud of the way they have responded. They're sending a vital message to current students about the importance of private giving for the future of the university."
