Time for students to make an Impact

Posted by admin on Oct 21, 2010 in News | 0 comments

Last March Trinity Western University launched a new website, TWU Impact, which was to serve as a fundraising tool for various departments of the University. “It will constantly be changing and hopefully become even better” Jocelyn Durston, TWU Impact coordinator and alumni, said in an interview with Mars’ Hill in March. And it has done just that, now including more of a social network feel to the site.

Durston now defines the site as a “grassroots storytelling and fundraising tool.” The ultimate goal, she shared, is to have TWU students take ownership of the site and turn it into a forum for their stories. The site now offers the ability to make a blog like profile page. Groups on campus, or even individuals, can update their pages with photos, videos, or blog their activities. The site will soon include the ability for members to follow the activity on other pages. All these changes are intended to create a online network for TWU community members to upload stories of their time at TWU and communicate it with the world.

Another feature now on the site is the “Invest in a Leader” page, which pairs alumni and students in an effort to raise funds for tuition. By linking together to spread the word of these giving opportunities, Durston believes there is greater potential in spreading the story of TWU and raising funds.

“We want people to keep coming back” Durston said sharing how she hopes the new changes spur more regular visits from alumni, donors, and current TWU community members to their favorite pages. “The challenge [so far] is everyone has their own site” Durston adds. The aim is to make Impact one central location for TWU events, community pages, and the like. She encourages people on campus to log on and tell their tales, which can serve as free advertising for projects, a forum to share what they are doing, and a great way to connect with other on campus groups.

Jason Brandl