Spiders show support

In April, Spiders showed their support for students during the university’s fourth annual UR Here Giving Day. More than 3,100 donors provided $1.6 million in just 36 hours.

Saif Mehkari, associate professor of economics, and alumni of his discipline played a significant role in UR Here’s success. He contacted a group of math-econ alumni and offered a personal fundraising challenge, and they answered, raising approximately $1,750.

“It’s important to us within the mathematical economics program to build a strong, connected community where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” said Mehkari, who sent a personal thank-you message to each person who gave.

“I think it is important to build a community that transcends the four years in college,” he said. “The promise to students is that while you are here, we professors, along with alums, will invest in you. Once you become an alum, we ask you to pay it forward by helping the next generation of students.”

In November, the annual Spiders Helping Spiders campaign will encourage gifts targeting specific areas of financial need: financial aid, the student emergency fund, and the career opportunity fund. Support for these areas enables Spiders to stay on track when they face financial difficulties or need targeted assistance to prepare for work and life after graduation.