What is Purple Tag Day?
Thursday, November 15 is National Philanthropy Day in Canada, also known as Purple Tag Day at Bishop’s. On National Philanthropy Day, which was first celebrated in 1986, donors and volunteers are recognized for their philanthropic work and the public is encouraged to get involved with charities in their communities. More than 100 NPD celebrations take place around the world.
Purple Tag Day is an opportunity to raise awareness on campus of the important role philanthropic support plays on a daily basis at our University. Purple Tag Day, a Student Alumni Association initiative, is also a way to demonstrate gratitude to the donors who make a difference to the student experience at Bishop’s.
On Thursday, November 15 there will be a Purple Tag banner at the arches, posters strategically placed throughout campus identifying items made possible thanks to support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of Bishop’s, and hundreds of smaller tags worn by students or hanging on specific pieces of equipment.
Here is a small sampling of ways that charitable giving has enriched the Bishop’s experience in recent years:
- 30% of Bishop’s students received financial assistance through scholarships, bursaries, prizes or internships.
- More than 1500 books and 90 subscriptions to academic journals and periodicals were purchased for our Library.
- Travel costs were offset for Bishop’s top Political Studies students to compete – and place highly – at the annual Model United Nations in New York.
- A play, written and produced by students in the Psychology of Nutrition class, received support allowing them to perform in the area’s elementary schools and teach children about making wise nutritional choices.
- Distinguished Canadian musicians Jonathan Crowe, violin, Elizabeth Dolan, cello, and Paul Stewart, piano, were artists-in-residence in the Department of Music. They worked one-on-one with students, gave master classes and joined student chamber groups.
- Student internships were funded in areas that included sustainable development, international relations and Canadian civil society.
- Bishop’s professors received support for innovative research and publishing in a variety of disciplines.
- Inspiring and evocative guest speakers, including Retired General Roméo Dallaire, spoke at Bishop’s.
- Varsity coaches were able to bring talented student-athletes to campus for recruitment trips, and also offer top prospects an athletic award or bursary.
- Wireless access on campus was improved, and new computers for labs on campus were purchased.
- And much more!
The Purple Tag Day, a Student Alumni Association (SAA) initiative, is also a way to demonstrate students’ gratitude to the donors who make a difference on campus. Gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Fund truly do make it happen on a daily basis! On behalf of all students, thank you to the thousands of donors who believe in and support the Bishop’s experience.
