28 years later and Jay Andronaco (‘91) is still grateful for his time at Springfield College. Now serving as the Senior Director of Annual Giving, Jay describes why it’s so important for alumni and supporters to reach out during Springfield College’s annual Giving Day (March 6-7, 2019).
During my baccalaureate ceremony, as I was talking with my family, Professor Bob Accorsi approached us. He said to them, “I just want you to know how proud I am of your son. He’s a hard worker and I’ve seen him grow so much as a person and a student during his time here.”
That was 28 years ago and I still think about it today. I transferred to Springfield College from a state university, which I know was a financial burden for my father at the time. So it was such a privilege for me to be able to even attend Springfield College and to hear those kind words from Professor Accorsi.
Springfield College and mentors like Professor Accorsi helped shape me into the man I am today. I have always given back, including on Giving Day, because of everything this College has done for me. Now, as senior director of annual giving, it is my honor to raise funds for those who need it most.
This year I will be making my gift on Giving Day to support outstanding faculty like Professor Accorsi and future generations of students who benefit from the support, resources, and financial aid that make Springfield College such a special place.
Giving Day is a 24-hour period where alumni, families, faculty, staff, students, and friends have the opportunity to come together and show their support. From noon on March 6, through noon on March 7, you can give online, by calling (413) 748-3124, or by stopping by in person in the Student Union or Cheney.
There are several reasons why this year’s Giving Day is the best time to make your gift:
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There are more giving opportunities. Our Springfield College Fund has several designations this year: greatest needs, undergraduate financial aid, graduate financial aid, academic enrichment, campus facilities, student life, technology and teaching tools, and world-class faculty. Additionally, you can choose to support Friends of Springfield College Athletics, Friends of East Campus, or the Friends in Humanics Scholarship.
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You have numerous opportunities to win prizes and unlock challenge gifts. This year, there is more than $90,000 in challenge money available and each gift gets us closer to unlocking it. In addition, there are social media challenges you can win just by posting online using #MaroonGives.
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You have the chance to see President Cooper do the floss. If we reach our goal of 1,600 donors by the end of Giving Day, Dr. Cooper has agreed to do the floss dance in the Student Union.
I hope everyone who has felt the impact of Springfield College, whether as an alumnus or supporter, will reach out on Giving Day to help us meet our goal. The goal is more than a number, but rather an opportunity to give back to future generations of Springfield College graduates who will go on to change the world.
(Giving Day link will go live at noon on March 6)
About the author
Jay Andronaco, a 1991 graduate of Springfield College with a degree in Sports Management. Jay spent 27 years in the sports world, working for World Wrestling Entertainment, Acclaim Sports Video Games, NASCAR (Pepsi/Mountain Dew Racing, Crown Royal Racing), Non-Stop Marketing (own marketing agency), Special Olympics Connecticut, Army West Point Sports Properties. He is now the Senior Director of Annual Giving for his alma mater, Springfield College.
