Today is Roadrunner Tuesday, your chance to join Roadrunners worldwide in directly impacting the well-being of students at Metropolitan State University of Denver by making a gift supporting three funds to keep them moving forward on their path toward graduation.
This year’s goal is to raise $45,000 to:
- Fight hunger and provide healthy food at Rowdy’s Corner
- Offer financial relief in times of crisis to keep students housed and safe through the Student Emergency Fund
- Support undocumented, DACA and TPS students with emergency stipends for housing, medical costs and other essential expenses with the DREAMer Emergency Fund
This fall, Rowdy’s Corner has experienced 7,300 transactions monthly and a 70% increase in student visits, serving an average of 1,700 unique students per month — a clear sign that hunger is on the rise. Additionally, data shows that retention rates are higher (75%) for students who use the service compared with those who don’t (63%).
“Rowdy’s Corner has been such a blessing for me and my family! In a house with nine people, our budget gets tight very quickly,” said student Sanaa Walker. “Being able to pick up meals and groceries has helped relieve so much stress. I’m truly grateful to have a resource on campus that supports students in such a meaningful way.”
Together, we can make a real difference for Roadrunners who cannot feed themselves comfortably and those who are experiencing financial struggles that could result in being evicted or unable to cover medical expenses — all of which might otherwise pause or end their academic journeys.
Last year’s Roadrunner Tuesday gifts helped fund 93 Student Emergency Fund stipends and $23,000 in DREAMer Emergency Funds stipends, and fed over 3,500 students for one week at Rowdy’s Corner.
Every gift, in any amount, makes an immediate difference. As a token of gratitude, those who make a gift of $25 or more will receive a limited-edition, winter-themed MSU Denver stocking cap or pair of socks.
Contact Bre Milnes, executive director of Advancement Communications and Annual Giving, for more information about Roadrunner Tuesday.
