50th Anniversary Celebrations to Conclude with Extended Comets Giving Day

July 8, 2020

Alumni News

In commemoration of UT Dallas’ 50th anniversary, the fourth annual Comets Giving Day will last 1,969 minutes from Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. until Aug. 6 at 6:49 p.m. More than 60 campus groups will participate in the extended day of giving with a challenge to raise $1 million.

Since 2017, the annual event has raised more than $1.2 million for causes around the University. Rescheduled from its original date in April, this year’s Comets Giving Day will allow students, alumni and friends to renew connections and rally around common goals.

“We began this year celebrating everything that’s made UT Dallas great for the past half-century,” said Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president for development and alumni relations. “The resilience and caring shown by our community over the last few months have demonstrated just how great we really are. Comets Giving Day is a time for us to stand together and contribute to the future of this place we all love.”

Public health safety measures may have altered typical activities celebrated across campus, but the Comet community will still celebrate together this year with a parade around campus of decorated cars and several other virtual events throughout the two days.

Gifts can be made online, and many individual donations will unlock extra support through challenges and matching opportunities provided by generous sponsors.

Participants can use the hashtag #COMETogetherUTD to join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and monitor challenges and live leaderboards on the Giving Day website.

Become a Giving Day Digital Ambassador

During past giving events, digital ambassadors have raised more than $120,000 to support a variety of campus groups. If you are a current or former member of a campus organization or just want to make a difference for the Comet community, join the 2020 digital ambassador team by:

  • Posting on social media to promote a larger outreach for the University;
  • Sharing messages and encouraging alumni and friends to support UT Dallas;
  • Participating in exclusive Comets Giving Day challenges; and
  • Helping designate additional funds to favorite campus entities.

Visit the Comets Giving Day ambassador page for more information and to sign up.