Across campus, students donned Kelly green t-shirts exclaiming “Holla Back” to remind their classmates to give thanks for benefactor support. Dozens more gathered in LaFortune Student Center to write thank-you notes to Notre Dame’s community of benefactors.
As it turns out, students have a lot to be thankful for. Notre Dame offers one of the most competitive financial aid programs in the country. During the 2006-07 academic year, Notre Dame awarded more than $72 million in student aid—a figure that has grown nearly seven-fold over the past decade.
The University seeks to increase that number—and further reduce the amount of loan debt that students must take on—by generating $250 million in undergraduate scholarship support through the Spirit of Notre Dame campaign.
Below, a sampling of student sentiments gathered during the recent Thanksgiving in February:
“Each day I take a moment to thank God for the blessing of being here, but I haven’t yet thanked you, my benefactors. So thank you for supporting students in their pursuit of happiness and success. Thank you for changing my life.”
- Serene, Class of 2009
“My parents always tell me there is no place they would rather have me live, grow, and play for four years than Notre Dame. Here I am, and we have you to thank for that! Your donations really have made the difference.”
- Jill, Class of 2008
“I want you to know how much your gift to the Annual Fund impacts students. I am one of those students who would not be able to come here without the help of financial aid. Thank you for making my dream come true!”
- Adjoa, Class of 2010
