About our 2023 Giving Day project
We are raising money for the International Day of Light event, a global event that takes place in May to celebrate light in all its forms, including its influence in science, art, and education. Last year’s event included optics demonstrations for kids in conjunction with the Montana Science Center, educational and industry booths on MSU’s campus, and talks by professionals whose work is centered around light. Additional funding this year will help support more booths and a light-based art contest.
Our goals
We would like to raise $1,000 through MSU Giving Day to supplement our funds for this year’s International Day of Light event. The money will be used to compensate speakers (optics industry professionals or others who work on projects that center around light), renting a venue for the event, and enhancing our optics demonstrations. This spring we have the amazing opportunity to host Dr. Donna Strickland, a Nobel Prize winner, for a virtual talk related to her optics and photonics research. We hope that we can attract a high-profile in-person speaker if we offer compensation, which these funds will provide.
About our organization
The Optics and Photonics Society is the MSU student chapter of two international professional optics organizations: SPIE and Optica. Our members are graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in or involved with optics and photonics research. As a group, we participate in three types of events over the course of the school year. We volunteer at outreach events, teaching kids from pre-school to high school about optics through hands-on demonstrations. At our monthly meetings, we invite MSU faculty or professionals from industry to speak about their optics-related research. To connect MSU students to the large optics industry in the Gallatin Valley, we organize company tours. We also participate in other events including professional development and the International Day of Light.
Why are donations necessary?
If this project is successful, we hope to organize a fantastic International Day of Light event that will attract children and adults alike, inspiring an appreciation of light in science and art. Last year, we had an impressive turnout by people associated with the College of Engineering and the optics industry; this year, we hope to incorporate more of the MSU community. This event will bring the people of Bozeman to MSU’s campus, allowing them to gain a greater understanding of light, the optics research on campus, and the opportunities in the local optics industry.
Due to the tax status of this student campaign, your gift
may not be considered charitable. To determine the deductibility of your
contribution, please contact the student organization directly and consult with
your tax advisor.