Make a difference in someone’s life: support UNLV on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1

John Yim, a senior majoring in biology, understands the power of philanthropy – like Giving Tuesday — more than some. 

As a recipient of the Osher Re-Entry Scholarship and the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of NV Scholarship, he says that donations can do more than just pay the bills. 

“The meaning of receiving a donation goes beyond just the monetary value of the
scholarship,” Yim said. “It can really boost the confidence of the recipient, making them feel like they can accomplish more than they thought possible.”

Giving Tuesday, on Dec. 1., is an annual one-day global fundraising movement that encourages everyone to get involved in helping their communities. For UNLV, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for donors, alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and students to show their support for the university by donating at on the Rebel Raiser Giving Tuesday site.

This year, it’s especially valuable to give to the emergency funds that have supported students and the university during the pandemic. 

“In my opinion, it is more important now than it was in the recent past,” Yim said. “I know many students who have struggled to find a new place to work, had to relocate, and find new ways to handle stress.” 

Students who have experienced the extra pressure brought on by the pandemic say they have felt fortunate that donors reached out to help them stay on track with their studies. 

Mary Nelle Garcia, an undergraduate student in the College of Fine Arts, says she wouldn’t have made it without the emergency funds given by donors recently. 

“Before COVID, I had a plan to take on extra hours at work in order to save up money for summer and fall tuition. When COVID hit, I wasn’t able to save up enough money to pay my
tuition,” Garcia said.   

“Then I lost my job and so did my family members. This was not only a financial problem, but it also made me lose motivation to create art because I was too busy worrying about money,” she said. “But I was one of the students who received the emergency funding through the art department, and I cannot express how thankful I am.”

After receiving help with her tuition, Garcia was able to stay in school, and it was one less financial stressor for her and her family. 

To donors, she says: “Thank you. I’m also happy to say that I’ve gained my motivation back, as things are slowly starting to fall back into place — thanks to donors like you.”

Giving Tuesday will raise critical funds to support scholarships, emergency funds, student programs, and more. Donors can make gifts all day to any of the featured funds and help make a lasting impact. 

Yim says giving isn’t just about the recipients, it all says a lot about the donors’ willingness to see beyond themselves and care about the future of those in the whole community. That, in turn, inspires him to be a better person. 

“It means that someone truly believes in the potential of the recipient and it can be a great motivator to ensure that I get the best grade possible because it’s no longer just about me, it’s about the donor, too.”