Giving Day 2024: Paying it forward a priority for USask student-athlete

Sept. 10 is Giving Day, a one-day University of Saskatchewan (USask) fundraising initiative that is supporting key priorities such as designing visionary spaces for students and athletes.

By Sarah Trefiak

“It means the world knowing that donors are willing to put money towards scholarships and the facilities that we practice in because it shows that they believe in us and want us to be the best,” said Amou Madol, a fourth-year PharmD student in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and a member of the Huskie women’s soccer team. 
 
Madol considers herself fortunate to have received scholarships, awards, and bursaries both athletically and academically. 
 
“Donor support has truly changed my student-athlete experience for the better,” said Madol. “As a student-athlete, I spend many hours at our practice facility while taking a full course load—which makes it difficult to work on top of that—so I am really grateful for all the support I have received throughout my student-athlete career.” 
 
As a Black student-athlete, Madol has also been a champion for diversity and hopes to continue to pay it forward as she pursues her goals of becoming a licensed pharmacist. 
 
“Donors should know that their gifts are empowering the next generation so that one day we can do big things and give back in return,” she said. 
 
Madol will join fellow USask students, leaders, and researchers live on C95 and 650 CKOM on Sept. 10 as she shares more about the impact that donor support has had on spaces and facilities around campus.  
 
“I feel so fortunate to be a part of Giving Day as a guest because it gives me the opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who donate to provide students and student-athletes with scholarships and financial support,” she said. 
 
“Without their support, I would not be where I am today.” 
 
USask Giving Day is Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, and will support all four areas of the university’s Be What the World Needs Campaign: leading critical research, inspiring student success, supporting Indigenous achievement, and creating visionary spaces. Make your gift on that day and it could be matched dollar-for-dollar. Learn more at give.usask.ca/connect/giving-day