Giving Blueday makes a difference for student organizations

The generosity of the University of Michigan-Flint community was on full display during Giving Blueday 2022, with close to 300 donors contributing more than $300,000 to UM-Flint during the annual day of giving. This outpouring of philanthropic support placed the university second among all units across the three campuses. UM-Flint aims to unite 500 donors in their passion for the university, March 15, during Giving Blueday 2023.

For many in 2022, Giving Blueday was a chance to directly support student organizations. It's clear why these groups are popular with donors: student organizations enrich the lives of the UM-Flint community and make the campus a thriving hub of innovation and connection. 

This article highlights three student organizations that have felt the impact of Giving Blueday last year. Some are new additions to UM-Flint's student life; others are long-standing campus institutions. Each of them has used the support they found in 2022 to do great things.

Club Baseball

One of the newest groups on campus, UM-Flint club baseball is rightfully proud of building a close-knit, dedicated team. With 36 donors contributing more than $2000 to the team in 2022, funds that were used to purchase equipment for players, field rentals, and allow for an expanded schedule of games.

Shbeib Dabaja, former club president and 2022 UM-Flint graduate with a bachelor's degree in economics, said that the team means much more than what happens on the field.

"When we began playing in an independent summer league last year, we came up with a phrase that holds true in life more so than baseball, and that is 'go 1-0 every day.' Win every day, every opportunity," Dabaja said. "Everyone on this team has formed real friendships and created something that will last far beyond our involvement in club baseball."

More information about the team can be found on Instagram and the club's website.

Entrepreneurs Society

Formed in 2008, the Entrepreneurs Society has a storied track record of preparing students for the business world by offering hands-on projects that align with individual goals. Donations of more than $3000 were made by 12 donors. These donations aided student business development and career preparation.

Garrett Prince, former Entrepreneurs Society president and 2022 UM-Flint graduate with bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance, reflected on the support this group received.

"Giving Blueday is a great chance to unify and enable students to pursue their goals and aspirations, we're incredibly thankful for our donors and their interest in our success!"

Students can request membership on Engage to receive updates from the Entrepreneurs Society. For other inquiries, email [email protected].

Student Government

UM-Flint Student Government is a diverse group committed to empowering students through advocacy, policy change, and programming. With close to $1000 in gifts from 19 supporters, Student Government served the interests, needs, and welfare of students.

"Giving Blueday is an amazing experience, for donors and for organizations. It shows a sense of support," said Christian Dunn, director of student relations for Student Government and junior computer information systems major. "I am proud that my organization gets things done. Our Student Government gets results as fast as we can in order to provide the best service to students … We were able to help more students and support students with all of the gifts that we received by using the funds in our Student Government Scholarship."

More information regarding Student Government is available on its webpage.

To see all the funds available for 2023 and to make your gift, March 15, visit UM-Flint's Giving Blueday page.