By Carson Byers – K-State News and Communications Services
On Kansas State University’s inaugural Day of Giving, Wildcats across the world shared their pride for academic programs, student success and innovative research. More than 1,600 donors invested $3.4 million in areas across the institution, supporting students, faculty research and college initiatives.
K-State Day of Giving, a 24-hour giving challenge and celebration of everything that makes K-State special, invited the Wildcat nation to unite and share their love for the university, displaying that when Wildcats come together, we can do good for Kansas and the world.
“The tremendous outpouring of generosity we witnessed during our K-State Day of Giving reaffirms what I’ve always known about our university community — when called upon, our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students respond with extraordinary heart and commitment,” said President Richard Linton. “Every gift represents a personal investment in our shared future and a profound belief in our mission.”
Throughout the day, K-Staters supported areas they were most passionate about. Student groups, including the Concrete Canoe team, the K-State Rodeo team and the Wildcat Rocketry team, received donations empowering student engagement and learning beyond the classroom. The Global Impact in Sorghum initiative, which conducts research to improve sorghum production techniques and introduce improved seed, saw support for its mission and used social media to share its impact with audiences. The College of Business Administration rallied funds for applied learning experiences that prepare students for careers. Other significant gifts went to All Faiths Chapel and Cats’ Cupboard, a vital resource for enhancing food security at K-State.
Departments across campus competed for bonus funds through various leaderboards and challenges. The College of Business Administration led the way in total dollars raised, bringing in more than $1 million, while the Cats’ Cupboard engaged the most donors to secure the top spot in the participation leaderboard with 203 donors.
Online “Purple Power Hour” social media challenges fueled engagement and competition. K-Staters participated in challenges ranging from sharing their most beloved K-State tradition to sharing a K-State pet photo to unlock bonus dollars for their favorite departments. The K-State Marching Band and Cats’ Cupboard each claimed two challenge victories.
While many K-State alumni and friends engaged and supported virtually via social media, at K-State’s Manhattan campus, students, faculty, staff and community members were also able to play a hands-on role in shaping the success of their favorite K-State programs. At Bosco Student Plaza, they gathered to celebrate, participate in challenges and interactive activities, take photos with Willie the Wildcat and directly impact the areas they love.
“In the face of a challenge, you often hear K-Staters say, ‘Where there’s a Wildcat, there’s a way,'” said KSU Foundation President and CEO Greg Willems. “Yesterday, K-Staters did just that. We are so grateful to each and every donor who participated in our first K-State Day of Giving. You created a brighter future for K-State and its students.”
K-State Day of Giving is a partnership between the university and the Kansas State University Foundation, K-State’s strategic partner for philanthropy.
“Our supporters’ generosity transforms countless student lives, advances groundbreaking research and strengthens our capacity to serve,” Linton said. “I couldn’t be more grateful for this vote of confidence in where we’re headed.”
