Since its beginning in 2018, Middle Tennessee State University’s True Blue Give has raised over $2.9 million from more than 4,700 alums, faculty, staff, and friends and has helped thousands of students.
The True Blue Give is a three-day crowdfunding movement created by MTSU alumni and friends.
“In these three days, we encourage people to make a gift online or by text to invest in their favorite college, department, program or student organization,” said Kristen Keene, Director of Annual Giving. “The money given by alumni during the True Blue Give is used to support students.”
Last year, more than 830 MTSU alumni, faculty, staff and students from across the United States came together to give more than $671,000 to help support MTSU by giving to scholarships, emergency funds, academic departments and athletics.
“This is what I am most proud of. People can give to anything at the University. We highlight several areas each year, but people can give anything all over campus. The departments receive those funds directly, and they’re used for all kinds of things from purchasing lab equipment to sending a student on an internship,” explained Keene.
MTSU Provost Dr. Mark Byrnes added, “True Blue Give is important because it focuses on meeting the needs of our University community, and it helps support campus programs that directly serve our students.”
In 2023, MTSU’s athletics department had its most successful True Blue Give yet, with nearly $200,000 in support for student-athletes. Over $290,000 was given to academic colleges and departments for scholarships, internship and opportunity funds and academic program support. More than $29,000 was donated to student emergency needs, and over $20,000 was raised to support various student-centric programs, including the James E. Walker Library, MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Band of Blue, and the LGBT+ community.
“We’re excited to meet and exceed last year’s performance with additional generosity,” Keene said.
Like in years past, the 2024 True Blue Give will again highlight student scholarship support, the June Anderson Center for Women and Non-traditional Students, scholarships and support for future Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers, and more.
“Our number one priority is still increasing support for student scholarships,” Keene said. “Each year, over half of our students qualify for financial assistance. Scholarships make it possible for students to realize their academic goals and dreams.”
The 2024 True Blue Give will be held on February 13, 14, and 15. To donate, visit mtsu.edu/truebluegive.
