From the Hilltop, For the Hilltop: Student Philanthropy at UMBC

Empowering Students. Enriching UMBC.

The Giving Pack

November 24, 2025 at 8:58 AM

Philanthropy is often associated with major donations and high-profile donors, but at its core, it is about people coming together to support causes that matter to them. At UMBC, fostering a culture of giving isn't just about financial contributions, it is about enabling student success and allowing them to engage with their community, support one another, and shape the future of our university.

Through working in UMBC's Office of Institutional Advancement and overseeing the Giving Pack, I've seen firsthand how small actions all have lasting impacts. Whether through volunteering, engaging in philanthropic initiatives, or simply being a UMBC Advocate, every student has the ability to contribute to a culture of giving.

Why Campus Philanthropy Matters

Having a strong philanthropic culture on UMBC's campus does more than just fund scholarships and/or campus initiatives, it strengthens our Hilltop community, builds meaningful connections, and reinforces the idea that students are part of something bigger than themselves. Many students directly experience the impact of alumni, donors, and other university supporters through means of scholarships, upgraded facilities, and enhanced academic programming. By giving back in any capacity, students not only show gratitude for the generosity they've received but also help sustain this tradition of giving, ensuring that future UMBC students will have the same (or even better) opportunities.

How Students Can Make a Difference

In addition to making financial gifts to UMBC-related funds, here are some ways college students can make a tangible impact on the university:

Volunteer on Campus

Time is one of the most valuable gifts a student can give. Volunteering at university events like Homecoming and Black & Gold Rush (to name a few) showcases a commitment to UMBC's success and helps strengthen campus culture.

Share Your Story and Be a UMBC Advocate

Personal experiences can be powerful motivators. If a student has benefitted from a scholarship, academic program, or other donor-funded initiative, sharing their story will inspire others to get involved and do the same. Social media platforms, word-of-mouth, and student group meetings are all great ways to amplify impact.

Participate in Cultivation and Stewardship

Events like Hilltop Pop-Up tabling in the Commons and Black and Gold Rush (happening on March 4th-5th, 2026) provide students with opportunities to engage in the processes of building relationships with UMBC alumni and friends as well as nurturing/maintaining these relationships. Actions as simple as writing thank-you notes to donors, volunteering to assist the Institutional Advancement team at event stations or simply showing up in support of philanthropic efforts all have lasting impacts and help strengthen a culture of gratitude and generosity.

Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

Giving back doesn't always require grand gestures, sometimes, it's as simple as supporting a classmate, offering help, or being open to receiving it from a peer or alumni. By engaging in mentorship and networking, you can strengthen your own growth while making a positive impact on others. Here are a couple of valuable opportunities for you to get involved:

Retrievers Connect: A virtual network that connects students with UMBC alumni for career advice and professional development opportunities.

For more information on mentorship and networking opportunities, connect with the Career Center.

The Long-Term Impact of Student Philanthropy

Building a philanthropic culture at UMBC starts with our students and is about instilling lifelong habits of giving that resonate through our alumni's personal and professional lives. Many of our alumni began their own philanthropic journeys as students, a tradition that continues to evolve our university.

UMBC's alumni network, including over 100,000 graduates, exemplifies the lasting impact of student philanthropy. During Black & Gold Rush 2025 (UMBC's Day of Giving), the UMBC community shattered records—1,564 donors raised over $329,555 to support student success! This year, we aim to surpass that milestone, proving once again that the UMBC community is always ready to rally and uplift students.

At the heart of campus philanthropy is the Giving Pack, a group of student leaders dedicated to educating their peers on the importance of giving. Through methods of fostering connections with alumni, stewarding donors, organizing campus initiatives, and demonstrating the impact of philanthropy on campus, Giving Pack members are ambassadors of the university who support UMBC's continued development. Partnering with them is the Office of Institutional Advancement, which helps bridge the student-alumni connection through events, strategic outreach, and fundraising efforts.

If you are a current UMBC student and interested in becoming a Giving Pack member, please email nstachur@umbc.edu with any questions you may have!

Leaving a Legacy: The Power of Giving Back

Philanthropy at UMBC is about something larger than just making a gift; it's about creating and constantly nurturing a community where every individual feels empowered to make a difference. The acts of kindness, support, and shared responsibility we engage in today shape not only our campus but also the world beyond. As students, alumni, faculty, and staff, we have the unique opportunity to be the architects of a legacy built on generosity and service, a legacy that will inspire future generations to continue this tradition. UMBC's culture of giving is not just something we uphold; it's something we actively build together, one meaningful contribution at a time.

Nicholas Stachurski is the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at UMBC. He strengthens relationships between UMBC's 100,000+ alumni and the next generation of Retrievers by supporting programs that foster engagement, philanthropy, and meaningful student–alumni connections. His work helps build a strong, enduring culture of giving and support at UMBC.

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