The UNLV Foundation and Student Alumni Association will join nearly 100 educational institutions worldwide to participate in the third annual Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day on Thursday, Feb. 26.

The initiative, organized by CASE Affiliated Student Advancement Programs (CASE ASAP), is designed to increase student understanding of philanthropy and grow engagement on campuses.

Institutions from the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and other countries will participate in the event through various activities, including "thank-a-thons," daylong social media campaigns, and student video interviews on what giving means to them.

The UNLV Student Alumni Association and UNLV Foundation will host a series of campuswide events throughout the day to celebrate the many ways that students and alumni give back to the institution. We are planning a thank-a-thon, where donors will receive personalized thank-you cards signed by student volunteers across campus. Our volunteers, including trustees, former trustees, advisory boards, Rebel Parents Council, Alumni Association board members, and regional club leaders will receive postcards thanking them for their service.

"It's important that students start taking steps to become the next group of philanthropic leaders," said Rob Henry, CASE's executive director of emerging constituencies. "On Feb. 26, we celebrate the value students bring to their institutions with their time, talent, and treasure."

CASE ASAP provides programming, services, and resources in advancement, including fundraising and alumni relations, for students and advisers at student alumni associations, student foundations, and similar organizations at colleges and universities that are members of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day is part of CASE ASAP's goal to foster and enhance student involvement in all areas of advancement -- including fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and marketing.