Students receive free decorated mugs at the “Mug Up to Philanthropy” held in celebration of the beginning of this year’s Spirit Week. Photo by Jennifer Friese/The Dakota Student.

The University of North Dakota Alumni Association is holding Spirit Week Feb. 23-27 for students to celebrate those who have contributed to the university.

Philanthropy is a huge part of the university — it benefits many programs and buildings that would otherwise not be possible. The Chester Fritz Library, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace, Ralph Engelstad Arena and Gorecki Alumni Center were all made possible by the generosity of alumni. This week coincides with UND’s 132nd Founders Day on Thursday, Feb. 26.  Founders Day is a celebration of the legislation that officially placed UND in Grand Forks. UND was established in 1883, six years before North Dakota officially became a state.

Brief by Colin Johnson