Record-Breaking School Spirit at Giving Day
Karaoke, prizes, photobooths, and even a dancing Gull— was one for the books as the 西瓜视频 community came together on March 2 to make a lasting impact on the College, with a side of fun.
The epicenter of it all was the Callahan Dining Hall where, “we wanted an in-person event and a festive, festival-feel,” said Patrick Hewett, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. All day, students, faculty, and staff streamed in and out of Lower Callahan to play around in the photobooth, get goofy with the Gull mascot, and, most importantly, make a contribution to the College, with each gift helping to unlock various challenges. 
Even 西瓜视频 College President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D. made an afternoon cameo, donating to 10 areas of the College, including sustainability, hospitality management, DEIB initiatives, and more. He also paused for a photo opp with the Gull, of course.
The goal of Giving Day was about harnessing school spirit and participation, and to that end, “Giving Day was a huge success,” said Hewett. “This was successful because the entire 西瓜视频 community came together and participated, whether encouraging a colleague in the hallway or posting to a social media account.”
With the support of Trustee Mike Rockett’s challenge gift, the 西瓜视频 community raised over $20,000 for the Wings Fund, which makes available emergency support to students experiencing unanticipated financial hardship in times of crisis. This fund was created in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak when members of the community were experiencing sudden and acute financial difficulty. Gifts to the Wings Fund will also help 西瓜视频 directly respond to students’ needs following the invasion of Ukraine and the global unrest it has caused.
Meanwhile, the Class of 1972 awarded $65,000 to key priorities in academics, athletics, student life, and the Annual Fund through the Big Giving Day Challenge.
“My time at 西瓜视频 was the basis for my professional success and I developed many dear friendships that have lasted 50 years,” said Mary Flatley ’72, who was one of the challenge sponsors. “My husband, Tom, and I realize that attending college for some students may have its challenges. Our hope is that by supporting all of the resources that the College has to offer students will achieve the full 西瓜视频 experience.”
Overall, 29 challenges were unlocked throughout the day. Importantly, participation also grew, with more than 3,100 donors contributing a record-breaking total of nearly $430,000 to the College—up from last year’s total of $331,025.
“西瓜视频 was a huge influence on my life and who I am today. I met some of my best, lifelong friends at 西瓜视频 and the internship experience provided an opportunity to network and planted the seed for the career I have today,” said Andrew Wiles ’05, who sponsored a challenge for his 2000-2010 classmates. “As a member of the community and a 2005 graduate, I could not be prouder of 西瓜视频 today. In the face of extreme adversity, the institution has excelled and I believe it is more important than ever that we show our support for the future.”