Mercyhurst uses crowdfunding to enable four new projects

Mercyhurst University recently launched a university crowdfunding platform, and the results of the initial fundraising drives show that the school’s supporters have been enthusiastic in their support of four projects to improve the school.
 
“Our office saw this as a way we could help our faculty, staff and students bring important projects to fruition,” External Affairs and Advancement Vice President Caleb Pifer said. "Research has shown us that millennials are more likely to support specific causes and projects than they are to support a general, nonspecific donation."
 
Projects funded through the first round of fundraising on the platform, seize.mercyhurst.edu, include a wakeless coaches boat for the rowing team, an exhibit at the ExpeERIEnce Children’s Museum developed by the archaeology and geology departments, and a service immersion experience for students.

The platform was also able to raise $4,500 for a MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer that will give graphic design students a fuller experience.
 
"Many of the donors responded with how jealous they are that the students are going to be exposed to the technology and have the opportunity to work with the Makerbot 3-D printer,” Art Department Chair Jodi Hopper said. “Ultimately, the hours of emails and phone calls paid off, and we will now be equipped to integrate the technology into our foundation year 3-D course, computer illustration techniques and next year in a special topics class. This was a major step in keeping up with the technological advances happening in the K-12 grades -- and I can't thank our supporters enough."