On March 10, the Ford School set a record for the most gifts made to the school in a single day. It was part of U-M’s Giving Blue Day celebration, a day devoted to philanthropy for U-M causes that people love most.
Through emails, video, and social media, current students shared how financial support from the school has helped them pursue their public policy education and work to make a difference for the world.
“In addition to the world-class education and writing instructors, I have met some of the most passionate and intelligent people at this university. And I have the privilege to call them my classmates,” shared Walter Aguilar (BA ‘21) in a heartfelt video message.
The community responded. A record-breaking 93 alumni and friends of the Ford School made gifts on Giving Blueday. Their gifts totaled more than $13,000, and unlocked a generous $25,000 challenge gift from the Borish Family to support students. Peter Borish (MPP ‘82), president of Computer Trading Corporation, is also the co-founder of the Robin Hood Foundation, now the largest anti-poverty organization in New York City. His daughter, Eliza, is a 2017 BA graduate from the Ford School, too! His wife, Julie, and their other children, Isabel and Harley, are all U-M grads as well.
Faculty, staff, recent graduates, and recurring Giving Blueday donors in particular turned out to help us reach this year’s goal. “We were so heartened by the participation this year,” said Director of Development Sue Johnson, “To have so many alumni and friends share their support after a particularly difficult year really shows how much they care for our students and the important work of the Ford School.”
