1837 Minutes of Giving: Helping Students Write Their Muskingum Story

Every Muskingum student arrives on campus with a story already in progress.

Some come with confidence and a clear sense of direction. Others arrive still finding their way-balancing academics with work, family responsibilities, and the pressures that often accompany the pursuit of a college degree. But all Muskingum students share one belief: that this place, and the people who make it possible, can help them become who they are meant to be.

On March 18, 2026, alumni and friends are invited to be part of that journey during Muskingum's Annual Day of Giving. This year's event-1837 Minutes of Giving, inspired by the year Muskingum was founded-celebrates the collective impact of generosity over the course of 1,837 minutes. During that time, every gift, no matter the size, helps support scholarships, academic opportunities, student life programs, and the areas of greatest need across campus.

For alumni like Michelle Neptune Brown '94, Day of Giving is deeply personal.

A first-generation Muskie, Michelle credits Muskingum scholarships-including the John Glenn Academic Scholarship and music and speech scholarships-with opening doors that might otherwise have remained closed. "I didn't come from money," she says. "Those scholarships allowed me to get a first-class education and experience that otherwise would not have been possible."

Now, giving back is her way of ensuring today's students have those same opportunities.

"Giving back has always been something my parents taught me," Michelle shares. "It's something I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren." She points to a favorite quote from John Maxwell's Intentional Living: 'When I die, I cannot take with me what I have, but I can live in others by what I gave.' For Michelle, that philosophy reflects both her life and her Muskingum experience.

"I think we have an obligation and responsibility to help those that come after us so they too can find their purpose and live a life of significance," she says. "That is the essence of being a Muskie."

That spirit of shared responsibility is at the heart of Day of Giving. When alumni and friends give, they are doing more than making a donation-they are helping a student stay enrolled, discover their confidence, and recognize that they belong. They are supporting the moment when hard work turns into a breakthrough, and when potential becomes possibility.

Another alumnus embodying the spirit of Day of Giving is Bob Geiger '58, whose connection to Muskingum spans generations. For the past three years, Bob participates not only by making a gift, but by returning to campus to be part of the celebration in person-a reminder that Day of Giving is as much about community as it is about generosity. His presence on campus reflects the lifelong bond alumni share with Muskingum and the enduring pride that comes from seeing today's students benefit from the same institution that helped shape their own paths.

As Melissa Zamensky, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, explains, "Every Muskingum student is writing a story, and your generosity helps them finish strong." This year, Zamensky hopes to rally 300 donors during the Day of Giving-each one playing a role in shaping student success.

"During Day of Giving on March 18, I hope I can count on you to be part of that impact," she says. "We'll be sharing updates throughout the day on social media, so be sure to follow Muskingum University Alumni on Facebook and Instagram."

At its core, Day of Giving is about community-about alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students coming together to ensure that every Muskie has the support they need to thrive. For 1,837 minutes, generosity becomes momentum, and individual gifts combine to create lasting change.

Because every Muskingum story deserves a strong ending-and a future filled with possibility.