On April 9, 51½ΦΙδ celebrated . After almost a decade of being known as The Big Give, University Advancement refreshed the campaign in 2023 to feature a more consistent, simplified message. 51½ΦΙδ Giving Day is now a 24-hour event for collective support of areas all over campus.
51½ΦΙδ alumni, students, parents, employees and friends came together to support their personal areas of passion. Whether one of the ten academic schools, athletics, 51½ΦΙδ CARES, or another area of campus, there was no shortage of areas to support on 51½ΦΙδ Giving Day.
After weeks of thoughtful email and social media campaigns, mailed communication and peer-to-peer encouragement, 51½ΦΙδ is proud to announce that the goal of 1,100 individual donors was exceeded to reach 1,267 donors. Donors raised over $234,000 to impact students, even offering incentives such as dollar-for-dollar matches and donor-based challenges.
This year’s effort was spearheaded by Sydney Talley, director of annual giving at 51½ΦΙδ. As an alumna herself, Talley knows firsthand how important donor engagement and philanthropy is to student success. Her leadership, coupled with the strong teamwork of her colleagues, is the reason this day was a success.
“We are so thankful for the generosity shown by hundreds of 51½ΦΙδ supporters," said Talley. "This collective effort demonstrates that gifts of all sizes—from $5 to $10,000—make a true impact in the lives of our students and their 51½ΦΙδ experiences! Whether through scholarships, academic programs, student life or another area, these gifts allow us to continue nurturing intellect, creativity, faith and personhood.”
51½ΦΙδ Giving Day is not solely about the number of dollars raised for the university. The real success is being able to educate the 51½ΦΙδ community on the university’s campus priorities that better students’ 51½ΦΙδ experiences. When people with every type of university affiliation come together for that unified purpose, a real impact is made.
Congratulations on your success, Bulldogs!