RENO -- Students are celebrating the 100^th anniversary of John Mackay day, by holding a month long series of events which kicked of on Thursday.

Promoters say Mackay Madness month is great way for students to recognize how much John Mackay influenced our state and UNR.

“And basically it’s just a month long event trying to get the community out, the students out, just get some excitement back and some life in this campus,” said Director of ASUN traditions, Shaun Carroll.

The celebration is organized by the Associated Students of the University of Nevada with competitions for students, including the “Mackay Miracle Mile.”  ASUN hopes to raise one mile worth of dollar bills, which is more than 10,000 dollars. Organizers say all the proceeds will go to an endowment fund for UNR students.

“As tuition gets higher we have to make sure students can pay for it,” said ASUN Director of Public and Campus Relations Jessica Fagundes. “And as student government, that’s one of our goals is to help students stay in school and to graduate so they have that college degree.”

For every 10 dollar donation, participants will get the chance to win a MacBook. Students can also look forward to free lunch every Monday for the next month.

“We have different vendors at secret spots on location,” said Carroll. “The first 500 people to find the secret spot are going to have some great food.”

And students are excited for the hunt.

“I just like all these events,” said UNR student Leonardo Moreno. “It’s nice to, you know, after getting out of class, it’s very stressful, to just have this to look forward to. All these events are really nice and social.”

This month long series of events runs through March 30th. All UNR students are encouraged to attend. And “Steak and Steins” is another community event ASUN is hosting to discuss higher education. The event costs 10 dollars and will include live music and food.