Findlay, Ohio, May 16, 2004 – The University of Findlay is sponsoring Appreciation Day on Thursday, May 19 to recognize the mutually beneficial relationship between the University and the community.

Teams of nearly 50 community members, University personnel and alumni will visit more than 70 Findlay businesses between 9 a.m. and noon to share information, solicit contributions and thank those who have supported the University in the past.

Businesses to be visited have been selected based on how many people they employ and input from a volunteer advisory committee. Calls by the individual teams have been made ahead of time to schedule appointments to meet with the businesses.

Funds raised during this event will support the University’s annual operations and academic programs.

The University of Findlay benefits the community by providing quality education leading to 65 bachelor’s degrees and eight master’s degrees and by participating in the post-secondary options program where 150 local high school students have earned college credit during the past year.

More than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students from Hancock County attend The University of Findlay, comprising about 23 percent of the total student body.

More than 2,400 graduates of The University of Findlay live, work and volunteer in Hancock County. They serve the community as educators, coaches, business owners, accountants, social workers, artists, veterinarians, attorneys, judges, elected officials, corporate executives, health care professionals and others.

The University bolsters the local economy as the ninth largest employer in Hancock County with more than 500 full-time employees. UF attracts 4,500 students and 55,000 visitors per year to Findlay, who then spend money for services and commodities.