By Ezra Gennello, staff writer.

The success of a person is largely impacted by the opportunities provided to them, and the freedom they have to explore those opportunities. As a University, Franklin Pierce aims to provide its students with the tools needed to find success both in and out of the classroom. Be it through academic achievement or the ability to compete at the NCAA level, the student experience comes first in Rindge.

Funding is needed to provide the student-athletes of Raven Nation with the best opportunities to achieve success, whether through scholarships, investments in equipment, or assistance with travel expenses. Every year at the beginning of November, Franklin Pierce holds its Day of Giving.

Director of Athletic Fundraising and University Sponsorships Tyler Bishop ’08, ’10 explained the Day of Giving as “a university-wide fundraising initiative that allows us to highlight what Franklin Pierce does best, making sure every student has a great experience.”

“The student-athlete experience is the number-one driver of everything we do in our department,” said Rachel Burleson, Director of Athletics. “This commitment allows us to provide a quality experience for our students, allows the institution to send tomorrow’s leaders into the world upon graduation, and assists with the recruitment of future Ravens. With all that in mind, every dollar we raise has a tangible, positive impact on the student experience.”

The Day of Giving has grown over recent years, from its humble beginnings of student-led phone calls to potential donors, to the present-day approach of a multi-channel social media campaign targeting a much wider audience. Getting students involved in the fundraising process allows them to contribute to the success of Franklin Pierce and their fellow Ravens. Within the Department of Athletics, fundraising allows for many new opportunities for student-athletes, including funding travel to competitions and renovation of facilities like the Melissa Bisaccia Memorial Softball Field.

Throughout the year, teams and clubs find different ways to supplement their programs. The Franklin Pierce softball team can be found working the concession stand at Raven Football and Basketball home games, while other teams or clubs might collaborate with nearby businesses.

Fundraising is a unified effort from everyone at the University. “It’s a team effort at Franklin Pierce, and it starts with the Advancement Office,” Bishop shared. “We want to make sure all of our fundraising initiatives are coordinated responsibly and align with the Franklin Pierce mission and vision. Every donation has a direct impact on our student athletes. We are a small school, so every donation has a direct impact.”

If you are interested in donating to Franklin Pierce University, please visit franklinpierce.edu/giving, or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (603) 899-4307. The 2021 Day of Giving campaign continues through Nov. 12.