1831 Day Advocate Toolkit

The number one priority for 1831 Day is to encourage everyone to celebrate with a birthday gift. Help us reach our goal of 700 donors!

1831 Day is celebrated annually on December 13 — Denison’s birthday!

Gifts can be made now through December 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Visit our 1831 Day website to make your gift.

We are fortunate to have an array of individuals and alumni groups who offer a variety of matches and challenges, amplifying donations to go even further. This year’s matches and challenges will be published on the 1831 Day website as they are announced.

Advocates may direct their questions to Jessica Kirsner, assistant director of the annual fund, at kirsnerj@denison.edu or 740-587-8071.

All other questions may be directed to the Annual Fund team at annualfund@denison.edu or 740-587-6292.

You can also find answers to many questions on our 1831 Day website.

To spread the word about 1831 Day, you’ll want to communicate with your network through email or text messages, social media posts, and word of mouth. We have templates for you below!

Set attainable goals you feel comfortable you can achieve, such as:

• Sending 10 text messages.
• Sending 10 emails.
• Calling five classmates.
• Creating/sharing three social media posts.
• Add 1831 Day to your Google Calendar and invite your friends!

*If you haven’t stayed in close contact with many folks from Denison, no worries! We can provide you with a list of contacts to reach out to via phone or email.

Subject line: Join me in celebrating Denison’s birthday! 🎁 ❤️

Text:

Dear [name],

On December 13, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Denison’s founding by making a gift to celebrate 1831 Day!

[Insert a sentence about why you give to Denison: what made your or your student’s experience so special that you want current and future Denisonians to experience?]

How to get involved:

• Make a gift of $18.31 to celebrate Denison’s founding. 
• Spread the word and share why you gave to Denison today on social media.
• Amplify your impact by having your gift matched and unlock extra support for Denison.

Let’s show the power of everyone coming together and celebrating Denison’s 195th birthday.

Go Big Red!

[Your Name]

Subject line: Celebrate Denison’s birthday with me 🎁

Dear [name],

This Sunday is Denison’s birthday. Will you join me by making a gift to celebrate?

[Insert a sentence about why you give to Denison: what made your or your student’s experience so special that you want current and future Denisonians to experience?]

How you can celebrate:

• Give Now – every gift makes an impact! 
• Share your Denison Story – post on social media about why you made a gift today and help inspire others.
• Amplify your impact – join a challenge and help unlock additional dollars to support Denison students.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating “the home we love so well”.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

If you are able to send a single message, consider:

Hi [name], Denison’s 195th birthday is this Sunday!. Will you join me in celebrating 1831 Day by making a gift? [link]

Feel free to adapt these posts to match your own voice and the social media platforms you use.

Use both Instagram and Facebook, if possible. If you aren’t already in one, we encourage you to join a Facebook group of Denison alums. Personal stories are powerful, so consider sharing a favorite Denison memory, photo, or a few words about why you choose to give back.

Where to tag Denison:

• Instagram: @denisonalums
• Facebook: @denisonalumni
• LinkedIn: @denisonuniversity

Not sure what to say? Use one of these questions for inspiration:

• What did Denison give you that you hope future Denisonians get to experience, too?
• What part of your Denison experience do you hope to help make possible for future Denisonians?
• What is a Denison memory that still means something to you today?

Social media posts are always more engaging when paired with a photo. Feel free to use one of the 1831 Day graphics below or make your post more personal by sharing a favorite photo from your time on The Hill.

Option 1

A lot has changed since 1831, but there’s still something special about The Hill. ❤️

I’m celebrating Denison’s birthday with a gift of $18.31 to help make the Denison experience possible for the generations who come next.

Who’s in?

[LINK]

Option 2

POV: You love The Hill and Denison’s birthday is coming up. ❤️

I’m celebrating with a gift of $18.31 for 1831 Day. Who’s joining me?

[LINK]

Option 1

My 1831 Day gift is in! ❤️

Now I’m passing it to you, Denisonians. Who’s with me? #GBR

[LINK]

Option 2

$18.31 for 1831 Day. See what we did there? 👀

Join me and Denisonians everywhere as we work toward 700 donors for Denison’s birthday.

[LINK]

Option 1

Happy birthday, Denison! 🎂❤️

195 years of friendships, traditions, late nights, favorite professors, walks across The Hill, and memories we’re still talking about.

I’m celebrating with a gift of $18.31 today. Join me!

[LINK]

Option 2

1831 ➡️ 2026 🎂❤️

I made my $18.31 gift to celebrate where it all started and help create what comes next.

Fellow Denisonians, your turn!

[LINK]

Option 3

Hey, Denisonians, it’s our birthday!🎉

The assignment: Celebrate 195 years of Denison.

I’m in with $18.31. Who’s next?

[LINK]