Students share gratitude during 11th annual EmoryThanks celebration across campus
June 22, 2026 Michelle Babcock
This spring, students across Emory paused between classes, events and exams to take part in a simple yet meaningful act: saying thank you.
Now in its 11th year, EmoryThanks is a beloved tradition and a visible reminder of how generosity shapes the Emory experience.
The university-wide initiative invites students to reflect on their experiences and share messages of appreciation with the supporters who help make those experiences possible. The program highlights the importance of philanthropy across campus, from scholarships and research opportunities to the programs and communities that define student life.
Emory College student Nicholas Benning shared one example of how gifts can shape campus activities.
“In the Emory Pep Band, donor support helps provide new instruments and instrument fixes for students,” Benning said. “And your support for students like me helps us pursue our academic careers and our dreams.”
Connecting students and supporters
EmoryThanks comes to life every year through events and engagement opportunities across campus. Schools and units hosted spots where students could stop by, write handwritten notes, record video messages and share their personal stories with supporters.
At its core, the initiative is meant to help students understand the role philanthropy plays in their education and give them a chance to express gratitude in their own words.
For many students, participating in EmoryThanks is personal.
“This is something that I’ve wanted to do for some time now — be able to show appreciation to the donors who help make our education possible,” said School of Nursing student Bryan Lee.
“It is a privilege to be a recipient of a scholarship, and I am glad to have the chance to share a bit of my journey with the donors who make experiences like mine possible,” added Sherman Grant, who is working on his MBA at Goizueta Business School.
Strengthening a culture of gratitude
More than 500 students participated in EmoryThanks activities this spring. That included collecting more than 480 handwritten postcards at stations across campus.
These messages will be shared directly with supporters, offering a personal glimpse into the lives they’ve helped shape and the opportunities they’ve made possible — bringing to life the real stories behind scholarships, programs and campus experiences.
For students, EmoryThanks helps foster a deeper understanding of the role that philanthropy plays in higher education.
“One of my favorite things about being a student at Goizueta is all the amazing opportunities I have on- and off-campus because of people who give to Emory Day of Giving. Your support means the world to the students and faculty members at Goizueta,” said MBA student Yaa Agyeman-Yeboah.
“Donations on Emory Day of Giving mean the world to this institution, students and faculty members,” said Madeline Taylor Ormeni, a Candler School of Theology student. “Without it, I would never have made the leap of faith to move from New York to Atlanta to pursue theological education.”
As EmoryThanks continues into its second decade, the message remains simple but powerful: gratitude strengthens the Emory community. Through handwritten notes, shared stories and meaningful moments of reflection, students help close the loop between giving and impact — ensuring that every act of generosity is met with heartfelt thanks.
