Senior Class Gift

The Senior Class Gift is a meaningful SUU tradition that invites graduating students to give back and leave their mark on the university that shaped their experience. Each year, participation in the Senior Class Gift helps foster a culture of philanthropy—something that is proven to increase lifelong alumni engagement and giving.

At SUU, where connection and community are at the heart of the student experience, early participation in giving helps students see themselves as lifelong Thunderbirds. Your support strengthens this tradition and ensures future students benefit from the same opportunities. Thank you for helping build a legacy of giving that will carry SUU forward for generations.

Alumni Association Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship supports students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a deep commitment to SUU. With over 90,000 SUU alumni worldwide, this scholarship represents the collective impact of Thunderbirds investing in the next generation.

For many students, scholarships are essential—more than 70% of SUU students receive some form of financial aid, and gaps in funding can be a major barrier to completion. Thanks to the generosity of the National Alumni Council, all gifts to this fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $4,225, doubling your impact. Thank you for helping alumni directly support students and strengthen the SUU community.

Campus Mental Health Program

Student well-being is critical to academic success. At SUU, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides essential mental health support to students navigating stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Nationally, more than 60% of college students report overwhelming anxiety, and demand for services continues to grow.

Your support helps SUU expand access to counseling, outreach, and prevention programs so students can thrive both academically and personally. By investing in mental health resources, you are helping students stay enrolled, succeed in their studies, and build resilience for the future. Thank you for prioritizing the well-being of SUU students.

Center for Hope - Childcare Center

The Center for Hope Childcare Center plays a vital role in supporting SUU’s student parents, providing safe, affordable, and high-quality childcare. At SUU, many students balance coursework with jobs and family responsibilities, and access to childcare can be the deciding factor in whether they are able to stay in school.

Research shows that student parents with access to childcare are significantly more likely to persist and graduate. Your support helps remove barriers and creates opportunities for these students to succeed—not just for themselves, but for their families. Thank you for empowering parents and helping create brighter futures for multiple generations.

HOPE Pantry

The HOPE Pantry is a lifeline for SUU students experiencing food insecurity, offering access to free groceries and essential items in a welcoming, stigma-free environment. Like many universities, SUU serves students who are balancing tight budgets, rising costs, and academic demands—nationally, up to 40% of college students experience food insecurity.

By supporting the HOPE Pantry, you help ensure that no student has to choose between buying food and staying in school. Access to basic needs is foundational to student success, and your generosity provides stability, dignity, and peace of mind. Thank you for making sure every Thunderbird has the support they need to succeed.

SUU Student Athletes

SUU student athletes represent the university with pride, competing at the NCAA Division I level while balancing rigorous academic schedules. With hundreds of student athletes across SUU’s athletic programs, these students demonstrate discipline, leadership, and resilience both on and off the field.

Support from donors helps provide critical resources such as equipment, travel, academic support, and training opportunities. Nationally, student athletes graduate at higher rates than their peers, reflecting the strength of structured support systems. Thank you for helping SUU student athletes excel in competition, in the classroom, and in life.

T-Bird Strong – Student Emergency Fund

The T-Bird Strong Emergency Fund provides immediate financial support to students facing unexpected hardships such as medical bills, car repairs, or housing instability. Even a small financial setback can derail a student’s progress—national data shows that emergency aid can significantly improve student retention and completion.

At SUU, this fund serves as a critical safety net, helping students stay enrolled and continue their education during difficult times. Your gift can make the difference between a student dropping out or graduating. Thank you for being there when students need it most and helping them stay on track toward their goals.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research at SUU gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors, explore complex questions, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for graduate school and careers. SUU is known for its strong emphasis on personalized learning, and research opportunities are a key part of that experience.

Students who participate in undergraduate research are more likely to graduate and pursue advanced degrees, and they gain critical skills in problem-solving, communication, and innovation. Your support helps expand access to these transformative experiences. Thank you for investing in discovery, creativity, and the future success of SUU students.

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