Findlay Times

University of Findlay and Ashland University are coming together for a friendly donor competition being called the Battle of Champions. The event will be held in conjunction with the globally recognized event, #GivingTuesday.

Held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday is celebrated as an international day of giving, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. This November 29th, University of Findlay is placing its focus on student experience, asking alumni and community members to support University athletics. Whether it’s for a specific men’s or women’s sport, Oilers Club (official booster club of University of Findlay Athletics), or The Findlay Fund (University’s general fund), donors have the opportunity to make sure current and future students are able to enjoy the full University of Findlay experience.

University of Findlay Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Jim Givens is a firm believer that college athletics plays a big role in life at UF. “It often times has great influence on the overall experience of those on campus or those who visit campus. It is a unique way to get the masses involved in coming together to support their favorite team,” said Givens. The campus experience has been made possible by the donations from faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, something Givens is thankful for. “I am amazed each year on how truly wonderful our donors are and want them to realize the tremendous impact they have on all of us.”

UF sophomore, John Harris, is coming off another successful year as a defensive back for the Oilers football team. Harris loves being on the field, but believes it’s the environment that makes it special. “I love the ability to look in the stands and see so many familiar faces cheering us on. It creates a culture where everyone is having fun and is excited to be involved whether it’s on the field or off,” said Harris.

Senior soccer team member, Elizabeth Talabac, said college wouldn’t have been the same without sports. At UF, she has found a second family. “Not many people can say they went to college and on the first day made 30 best friends. That’s what it’s like being part of a team here, and I wouldn’t have that if I didn’t play soccer,” said Talabac.

For those people looking to support the University of Findlay this #GivingTuesday, they can visit University of Findlay’s Give Campus page.  While #GivingTuesday takes place on November 29th, the University has also joined forces with a rival university, bringing together the global #GivingTuesday event and a friendly competition.

University of Findlay and Ashland University will compete in the first-ever Battle of Champions. Both have set their goals at 600 donors, but the university that garners the most donors will be the winner. The two will come together on December 1st at the University of Findlay’s Croy Physical Education Center for men’s and women’s basketball. During the events, the Battle of Champions will be announced to those in attendance, and the donation portal will remain open until December 3rd. Both teams will compete to win their games, but which university will win the Battle?

To make things more interesting, UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., and Ashland President Carlos Campo, Ph.D. have made a separate wager. If the Oilers win the Battle of Champions, President Campo has agreed to bake his homemade chocolate chip cookies for President Fell. If the Ashland Eagles win, President Fell has agreed to host President Campo for a gumbo dinner. Final numbers for the Battle of Champions will be released the following week.

To participate in #GivingTuesday and the Battle of Champions, please visit the Give Campus page.

Original source can be found here.