Goal 3 - Strategy 2

Donaghy Day

Named in honor of Fred Donaghy, a 1912 graduate of the Indiana Normal School and a professor of life sciences, Donaghy Day began in 1976 as a day for the community to celebrate spring and work together to beautify the campus. In 2008, Donaghy Day was reintroduced as a community-based service project in conjunction with fall new student orientation activities. That year, 160 students volunteered with nearly a dozen Terre Haute non-profit organizations. Ten years later, more than 1800 first-year students volunteer with over 40 non-profit partners within a multi-county area. Donaghy Day remains an important tradition for a new generation of Sycamores.

Dance Marathon

STATE Dance Marathon is a student-lead philanthropic organization that benefits Riley Hospital for Children. Students involved in STATE DM raise awareness and funds through year-round community and campus events. This effort culminates in the spring semester with an eight hour dance marathon. In 2018 and 2019, Sycamores raised over $200,000 each year for Riley Children’s Hospital. In 2020, their plans for a face-to-face marathon were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite moving to an online format for their culminating event, STATE DM still raised more than $186,000 for Riley Hospital for Children.

To read more about STATE DM, click here.

American Democracy Project

The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a national initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The aim of the initiative is to produce graduates who understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens of a democracy.

At Indiana State, the American Democracy Project coordinates ISU Day at the Statehouse each spring. Students have the opportunity to meet state legislators, discuss their coursework and campus activities, and tour the capitol building. ADP also leads the campus effort to educate and register voters. In fact, in November 2018, Indiana State University was recognized by Washington Monthly as one of the best institutions in the nation for encouraging students to vote. The Pizza and Politics series is another ADP program that promotes political discourse amongst students. Throughout the year, students gather to enjoy a slice of pizza and discuss current topics in politics.

To learn more about Indiana State's participation on the American Democracy Project, click here.