Marist University’s Second Day of Giving Surpasses Last Year’s in a Sweeping Success
Members of the Marist Community posing with Frankie the Fox on the Day of Giving. Photo by Ava Battinelli '26
In an effort to build on the tremendous success of last year, Marist University hosted its second Day of Giving, exceeding the previous year’s achievements by a landslide.
The Office of Advancement set an ambitious goal this year – 4,000 donors in 24 hours – and came close, concluding the day with 3,415 donors. Still, the $1,181,062 collected is a monumental accomplishment and crucial aid to the students at Marist.
“This is really more about getting folks to show a vote of confidence in Marist and make a donation of any size here,” said President Kevin Weinman. “We want as many donors as possible to demonstrate just how much Marist means to them.”
The Office of Advancement approached the first Day of Giving cautiously, hoping to collect donations from 1,000 donors. After they exceeded their goal by 10 a.m., a new goal of 1,500 was set – only to be almost doubled by midnight.
With a total of 2,800 donors, Marist collected over $560,000 last year, directly supporting students financially and academically, in addition to providing opportunities that extend beyond the campus.
“We were pleasantly surprised last year with the engagement that we had from our alumni, both in athletics and for the college,” said Director of Athletics, Tim Murray. “This year has been even better, and the gifts, acknowledgements and engagement came even before the Day of Giving.”
This year, with a goal set four times the amount of last year’s goal, the Office of Advancement provided students with various ways to contribute to the success of the day and show appreciation by writing postcards to thank donors for their generosity.
“I focused on building momentum, fostering connections and inspiring others to give back,” said President of Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, Megan Doshi ‘26. “Seeing students, alumni and supporters rally behind a common goal was so inspiring. We didn’t just give, but we built momentum for something bigger.”
In addition to various advancements, Day of Giving has collaborated with the Honors Program, which has a substantial amount of alumni engagement. Marist hopes to use donations to send students to conferences and provide funding for startup research projects.
“I wouldn't be able to be here without [the donors] and being at Marist allowed me to study abroad, which is one of the biggest and most important things I've done here so far,” said Liz Jerger ‘26. “Without them, I don't know if I would have had that experience, and it's helped me grow as a person, but it helps so many other students as well.”
This year’s event also capitalized on the momentum of the recent name change from college to university.
“I've heard so much about the enthusiasm around Marist University. I just came back from a trip to India, where the word university really matters versus college,” Weinman explained. “We know worldwide that reframing ourselves as a university is going to do great things for elevating the Marist profile.”
Chelsea Venters ‘25, a member of the first class to graduate with “Marist University” on their diploma, explained the importance of spreading awareness about alumni support, which is on the horizon for the senior class.
“Since seniors are about to become alumni themselves, it's kind of putting in motion that seniors can start giving, and then as alumni, they'll continue to give, so it's kind of inspiring that transition,” said Venters.
Incentives to donate were also incorporated, such as a pair of exclusive Day of Giving socks as well as red and white honor cords to wear during commencement if seniors donated $20.25.
“Having been here 30 years, rarely do you ever hear of anyone who goes through Marist that doesn't have a great experience,” said Murray. “This place is special.”