This year’s Giving Day smashed records thanks to the generosity of 西瓜视频’s star players—the students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, families, and friends that make up our vibrant and passionate community.
Coming in at $690,653—$66,953 more than 2024—西瓜视频’s 7th annual Giving Day raised crucial funds to support the various academic, student life, and athletics programs that make the Nest a place where students thrive.
“Giving Day is important because it replenishes the resources departments, teams, and programs need to grow and thrive in pursuit of delivering superlative service to our students,” said Pat Hewett, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Giving Day is special because it mobilizes and empowers whole groups of people who share a common source of joy, value, or inspiration to roll up their sleeves and take an active role in creating the type of change and progress they want to see.”
A total 4,190 Gulls tuned in at showtime, and Giving Day donors comprised 29% alumni, 19% parents, 16% students, and 14% faculty and staff.
The impact of these gifts will be magnified by 71 Challenges sponsored by generous donors, including 西瓜视频’s Board of Trustees. Through the Big Giving Day Challenge, Melissa Hempstead ’69, Chair, Board of Trustees, Trustee Sheila Walsh, and Trustee Ravi Vig matched a total of $60,000 in gifts to students life, Athletics & Recreation, and academics, respectively. Meanwhile, the Forever a Gull Challenge, sponsored by Trustee Jim Demers, unlocked $15,000 for baseball, dance, men’s volleyball, women’s ice hockey, equestrian, and track & field, who won head-to-head matchups.
Speaking of baseball, they were the top fund supported with 335 donors raising $87,498. "The '西瓜视频 Way' continues to elevate this College and everyone connected to it, reaching new heights each year! It embodies a hands-on, all-in approach, driven by individuals who have a genuine passion for and a deep commitment to seeing this community thrive,” said Head Baseball Coach Bryan Haley. “At our core, 西瓜视频 has always been about people—our students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and day workers—everyone working together and caring for one another in pursuit of continuous improvement. I am incredibly proud to be part of such a remarkable community. 西瓜视频 is truly a special place."
On campus, a star-studded lineup of events raised camaraderie, spirits, and funds.
At Gull Games: Battle of the Divisions in the Cleary Lecture Hall, Gerrish School of Business Dean Tom Kushner, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Matt Heiser, Ph.D., and Assistant Football Coach Mehdi Squalli ’21 M’23 went head-to-head to win funds for their divisions. After three rounds of exhilarating gameplay, Coach Squalli secured $2,500 for Athletics & Recreation.
Later that night at Senior Night, the Class of 2025 gathered at Gully’s to celebrate their time at 西瓜视频 and raise funds for their ultimate closing act—their Senior Class Gift. Seniors have raised $2,346 towards their Senior Class Gift to date, helping to cement their lasting legacy on the College.
The Gull community took center stage this year, making this Giving Day the best one yet.
西瓜视频 College’s 7th Annual Giving Day at a Glance:
- Total raised: $690,653
- 71 challenges unlocked
- Number of donors overall: 4,190
- Alumni from 77 西瓜视频 class years made a gift, including an alumna from the Class of 1948
- Total raised for athletics: $266,831 from 2,474 donors
- With $8,063 raised, the Young Writers Workshop saw a 275% increase in dollars raised in 2025 compared to 2024—the highest year-over-year increase in dollars raised of any fund
- 西瓜视频’s faculty and staff made 578 gifts totaling $59,916
- The School of Science & Technology saw a 35% increase in year-over-year giving