NYU administrators gathered outside the Kimmel Center for University Life at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and left after 10 hours of intense fundraising efforts, during which they asked passers-by for donations. The initiative is part of their new “Hey, Can You Spot Me?” campaign, in which NYU administrators are asking anyone they can find to give them money. 

Leading the charge was NYU President John Sexton, who kneeled in front of Kimmel and grasped at students’ legs for the duration of the event. He even promised several students he would consider leaving earlier than 2016 if they made a large enough donation.

“I will leave right now if any of you guys give $20,” Sexton said. “I mean seriously, $20 is nothing compared to the huge tuition all of you pay.”

For his contribution to the campaign, NYU chairman of the board Martin Lipton dressed up in an Elmo costume and bullied tourists in Times Square. Lipton raised $17.60.

Earlier in the week, students were alarmed at the sight of text alerts from NYU threatening the closure of the university if they did not make a donation by the end of the month. CAS senior John Saver said he is not willing to give any more money to NYU, even if it is for a good cause.

“I think it’s kind of pathetic that NYU is chasing students around for money while they’re in school,” Saver said. “I don’t think I can afford to donate to this considering the cost of my student loans.”

However, some students were sympathetic to the fundraising efforts made by the university.

Gallatin junior Nick Papadopoulos said he gave Sexton the $5 he had in his wallet after Sexton gave him a hug and started crying in his arms.

“I was touched by Sexton’s gesture — and a little concerned for his well being,” Papadopoulos said. “I would say it was worth my five bucks.”

Professors also had trouble teaching their students when administrators entered their classrooms without prior notice. NYU professor Mike Jones said he was shocked to see five administrators walk into his class holding purple piggy banks, but that he would consider pitching in.

“I don’t mind giving away part of my already modest salary,” Jones said. “I mean sure, my kids can’t afford to come here, but why shouldn’t others?”

SPS freshman Mary Harris, who was scheduled to take a midterm at 3:30 p.m., said the door to her classroom was locked and covered by big sign saying there would be no reason to go to class if the university did not reach its
fundraising goal.

“Times seem tight — but I guess they know what they’re doing,” Harris said. “I mean I can’t imagine that they’re misusing any of their profits.”

A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, April 1 print edition. Email Doot Doot Doo-Doo at [email protected].