Notecard-a-Thon Gives Westfield State Community Opportunity to Say “Thanks!”

Mar 21, 2025
Blue owl mascot shows a thumbs up while two students write notecards

Students, faculty, staff, and volunteers came together on March 20, 2025 for the annual Notecard-a-thon as an opportunity to thank Westfield State University donors for their impact. Sponsored by the Westfield State University Foundation and the Student Government Association, participants surpassed their goal of writing 1000 notes of thanks during the twelve-hour session. 

The cards were written and mailed to donors, alumni, and volunteers with the goal of brightening their day and encouraging them to continue to support Westfield State.

Three people sit at table and write on notecards

Reflecting on the day, Bill Hynes, Executive Director of the Westfield State University Foundation, said, “The notecard-a-thon was a

 great opportunity to thank our alumni and other donors for their support and to provide our students with a sense of how philanthropy from those donors effects their student experience.”

Student Maia Soucy ’25 echoed the good feelings about the event. "Participating in the notecard-a-thon was truly such a heartwarming experience. I was warmly welcomed into the room filled with cheerful laughter and conversation. It was rewarding to express gratitude towards alums and served as a nice reminder of the community on campus, not to mention the bonus of perfecting my handwriting with all the letters we wrote!"

Blue owl mascot holds up signs while people write in the background

Volunteers included Heather Witalisz, Second Vice Chair of the Westfield State University Foundation Board of Directors, Kathleen Witalisz, community member and owner of Witalisz & Associates Real Estate in Westfield, and Trustee Melissa Alvarado, ‘99. Food for the day was provided by Kevin Queenin ‘70 and Polish National Credit Union.

The Notecard-a-Thon serves as an opening event for the annual Give-A-Hoot fundraising effort which raises critical funds for initiatives throughout campus.  The Student Government Association plans to use the 2025 Give-A-Hoot to raise money for an endowed fund that will benefit the Registered Student Organizations overseen by the group.