CARBONDALE, Ill. – The second annual Day of Giving for Southern Illinois University Carbondale raised more than $475,000 from more than 1,800 donors, and the donations are still rolling in.
With the theme of “Give the Gift of Experience” as its call to action, the 24-hour fundraising campaign rallied SIU supporters across the country and the globe in support of SIU students and programs.
The SIU Day of Giving website at siuday.siu.edu shows where funds were donated.
Many small donations made a big difference
SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno thanked the many alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff who supported the campaign.
“The 24-hour campaign model provides a mechanism for people to connect with their giving,” Montemagno said. “It provides a framework so that everybody says, ‘My $50 gift or $20 gift is going to make a difference, because we’re all giving together as a community.’”
“These donations not only help the university with key projects, but also reveal the deep affection that many have for SIU Carbondale.”
Looking forward to SIU’s 150th anniversary
Jim Salmo, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, said the funds will make an immediate impact on the areas designated by donors. Another goal is to attract first-time donors.
“This event once again exceeded our expectations,” Salmo said, noting that the first Day of Giving raised $341,121. “We are already looking forward to next year as the kick-off to SIU Carbondale’s 150 anniversary celebration.”
Student involvement drove donations
Salmo said students played a pivotal role in the event’s success. Many students connected with the campaign through information booths at Morris Library, the Student Center and many colleges and units.
Trophies headed to CASA and Education and Human Services
Traveling trophies will be presented to the college or unit with the highest number of participants and for the college or unit that raised the most dollars.
“There was a tremendous amount of participation this year over last year and I think it came from a friendly competition among the colleges,” Salmo said. “I’m very pleased to announce that SIU’s College of Applied Sciences and Arts will be awarded the trophy for receiving the highest number of gifts at 306. SIU’s College of Education and Human Services raised the most dollars at $96,996.”
The event would not have been successful without several online ambassadors and on-campus volunteers, including students and alumni who shared fundraising progress and messaging on various social platforms, Salmo said. A video highlighting the many exciting experiences students have on campus had nearly 50,000 views.
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