The Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association kicks off another holiday season by participating in the global #GivingTuesday movement, but this year they prepare for a little twist. This November, Northwestern Oklahoma State University will partner with Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) as both schools compete to raise the most money for their students’ scholarships.

While the #GivingTuesday campaign is globally recognized on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the shopping events, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the #GivingTuesday campaign for Northwestern and SWOSU will begin today and run until midnight of Dec. 5.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the potential of social media as well as the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. It kicks off the holiday giving season and inspires people to collaborate in improving their local communities by giving back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

The Northwestern Foundation and the SWOSU Foundation join the movement to encourage every person to give at some level in this year’s campaign dubbed, “#GivingTuesday Scholarship Showdown! Which West Will Win?” This movement helps ensure continued support for Northwestern and SWOSU students in their academic pursuits.

Last November, more than $26,000 was received from 41 donors into Northwestern’s annual giving program, RISE (Rangers Investing in Students & Education). The Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association hopes to increase those numbers.

“Our goal is to get more people involved in Giving Tuesday than ever before, especially our young alums,” said Skeeter Bird, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association CEO.

Northwestern’s collaboration with SWOSU this #GivingTuesday campaign will help garner more interest from the long-lived rivalry between the schools.

“It is a blessing to have a rivalry with Southwestern, so we thought it was an excellent opportunity to leverage that rivalry to help students financially,” said Bird.

Those who choose to give to Northwestern students during the #GivingTuesday campaign are encouraged to follow the social media accounts of Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association to stay informed on the progress made.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NWOSUAlumni

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NWFoundationAlu

How to Give

Each gift will be added to the endowment of the donor’s choice. If no choice is made, the funds will go to the general endowed scholarship fund. Gifts may be made online with a credit card at my.nwfoundation.com/givingtuesday or by check payable to the Northwestern Foundation and sent to 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK 73717.

For more information on RISE and annual giving, go to my.nwfoundation.com/annualgiving or call 580-327-8593.

To learn more about the #GivingTuesday movement or to join the celebration of giving, please visit:

Website: http://www.givingtuesday.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday

Twitter: twitter.com/GivingTues