Big Give Gets Bigger in 2022

The results are in for New York Tech’s fourth annual Big Give, held on March 30 through 31. And thanks to the generosity of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university, this year’s donations brought in 927 gifts from 868 donors, totaling $355,076—exceeding last year’s total by nearly $15,000.

In commemoration of the institution’s founding in 1955, the Big Give lasts 1,955 minutes (about 33 hours) and brings together the New York Tech community from near and far to help support the student experience at campuses in New York City, Long Island, Vancouver, and Jonesboro.

Attendees at a kickoff reception on the Long Island campus.

This year—unlike last, when the pandemic forced the event to be 100 percent virtual—Big Give activities were held in person, including a kickoff reception for faculty and staff, a karaoke event with a live band for students in New York City, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Entrepreneurship Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC) in New York City, and tabling events on campus with giveaways, including the fourth edition of the event’s favorite thank-you gift: branded socks.

“When the New York Tech community comes together, its impact is great,” said Patrick Minson, Ed.D., vice president for development and alumni relations. “We are so grateful to everyone who stepped up in support of our students.”

This year’s donations brought in 927 gifts from 868 donors, totaling $355,076—exceeding last year’s total by nearly $15,000.

Donors had the choice of designating funds for a specific school or college within New York Tech or contributing to where the need is greatest, scholarships, the Woodlands Art Collection, Bear Bytes, and the Student Emergency Fund. Alumnus and member of the New York Tech Board of Trustees Daniel Ferrara (D.O. ’86) issued a $25,000 challenge ahead of the Big Give: he would match the first 25 gifts of $1,000 or more to the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM). The challenge was realized by NYITCOM, which raised $112,442, more than any other New York Tech school or college during the two-day event. Other challenges and winners included:

• School with Most Donors: College of Engineering and Computing Sciences
• School with the most faculty and staff donors: School of Management
• School with the most student donors: NYITCOM-Arkansas

Focusing on academics is not easy for students facing financial stress, particularly due to the pandemic. “Ninety-eight percent of our students receive financial aid, including institutional support,” said Minson. “This helps bridge a critical gap between what our students need and what they have to access the opportunities that a college degree from New York Tech offers.”

The New York Tech community participates in the Big Give festivities.