As Wabash enters the final weeks of the historic Giant Steps Campaign, it also enjoyed the best single-day fundraising effort on its 10th Day of Giving on April 19.
The 6,939 gifts made that day totaled $1,679,438. The previous records of 5,307 gifts and $1.4 million were set in 2022. Wabash has raised more than $1 million on its annual day of giving for six consecutive years. In its 10-year Day of Giving history, Wabash has raised $10,338,765 from 47,510 gifts.
“Exceeding $10 million cumulatively over our 10 days of giving says to me that no matter what is going on in the world around us, there is consensus that our world needs Wabash,” said Wabash College President Scott Feller.
This year’s theme, #AlwaysWabash, was inspired by the timeless Wabash traditions that transform lives through its mission and commitment to a liberal arts education, respect for and practice of the Gentleman’s Rule, and devotion to each other.
The 24-hour fundraising effort raised the equivalent of $2,107 per student, a figure that outdistanced the best days of giving across peer institutions, the state, and nationally. The per-student figure was nearly $400 more than last year.
The generosity of $720,000 in pledged gifts from 43 lead donors was the foundation of six challenges unlocked throughout the day as gifts accumulated.
Alumni in every class from the Class of 1951 to the fall’s incoming students in the Class of 2027 — 77 consecutive years —made gifts on the Day of Giving.
A total of 435 gifts were made by first-time donors to the College; the Class of 1979 led all alumni classes; Delta Tau Delta posted the top challenge response; and Phi Gamma Delta had the top response by living unit.
The Wabash community enjoyed events on campus and #AlwaysWabash trended nationally across social media on the day. Both raised excitement and spurred engagement.
The impact of the annual Day of Giving has served as a springboard for the success of the College’s audacious Giant Steps Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in school history, which ends on June 30.
“Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College stepped up and demonstrated they are always for Wabash with their philanthropic support,” said Joe Klen ’97, Associate Dean for College Advancement. “On behalf of our students and the faculty, staff, and coaches who teach, mentor, and guide them, I extend my personal gratitude to all who made gifts on our 10th Day of Giving and added to the tremendous momentum of the Giant Steps Campaign.
Through the generosity of nearly 12,000 alumni and friends, Giant Steps has surpassed the original $225 million goal by nearly $20 million.
There is still time to make a gift and push the Giant Steps Campaign to greater heights. Those interested may do so at www.wabash.edu/give.