Giving Day 2024 at Ole Miss Breaks Fundraising Records
Exciting news from the University of Mississippi as Giving Day 2024 closes with record-breaking results. The annual fundraiser, held from April 9 to April 10, generated more than $11.5 million in contributions, a significant increase compared to 2023’s $6.83 million raised by 2,399 gifts.
Increased Participation for A Greater Cause
This year, Ole Miss’s Giving Day recorded a remarkable 3,167 gifts. The donations came from a myriad of participants, including students, parents, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. The aim of this yearly event is to strengthen the student experience, enhance academic programs, and broadify community offerings.
Chancellor of the University of Mississippi, Glenn Boyce, expressed his gratitude for the incredible level of support the fundraising received this year. The vibrant fundraising event attracted numerous seven-figure gifts from generous donors such as Barbara Beckmann, Jean and Jerry Jordan, and Jan and George Pilko, respectively.
Largest Gifts Transform Key Departments and Scholarships
Barbara Beckmann from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pledged a $5 million estate gift that will be used to rename the Department of Chemical Engineering in her honor. Oxford residents, Jean and Jerry Jordan, provided a $4 million gift that will be used to establish the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation. Meanwhile, Jan and George Pilko from Houston, Texas, secured a $1.5 million estate gift that will support the Excellence in STEM Scholarship Endowment.
Giving Day 2024: A Social Media Powered Success
This year’s Giving Day ran for 1 day, 8 hours, and 48 minutes, symbolically representing the university’s founding year of 1848. The occasion was full of engaging, telethon-style presentations hosted by UM Marketing and Communications. The shows, featuring donors, deans, students, and performers, were livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Through the use of these digital platforms, participants were encouraged to make contributions to 27 participating schools, colleges, and programs. All funds raised are part of Now & Ever: The Campaign for Ole Miss, which has set a target of amassing $1.5 billion.
Momentum Propelled by Challenge Gifts
The fundraising event benefited from over 100 challenge gifts provided by alumni and friends. These gifts included a $100,000 donation from Carolyn and Pete Golding of Oxford, every single donation combining to keep up the robust momentum during the Giving Day campaign.
Looking to the Future
The Giving Day 2024 was an example of how the Ole Miss family can unite for a common cause. Charlotte Parks, the vice chancellor for development, voiced her excitement at the tremendous response from donors. She added that the funds raised would help the University shape the definition of excellence in their academic programs, student services, and outreach efforts.
