Washington State University alumni and friends stepped up in a big way on April 14 to participate in the University’s annual day of giving, contributing $704,962 in a single day to support students, faculty, research and service initiatives across the WSU system.
The total raised is a record for #CougsGive, with donors hailing from 30 states, making 1,296 gifts throughout the day. Support for the College of Veterinary Medicine led the way, with 259 gifts totaling $337,307. Every WSU campus and college benefitted from gifts made by generous Cougs, friends and family.
“It’s always a joy to experience Cougar Spirit in action, and that is exactly what #CougsGive is all about each year,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “My heartfelt thanks and admiration to everyone who participated as donors, ambassadors, and behind the scenes this year to make this the biggest and most impactful #CougsGive yet.”
According to Mike Connell, acting vice president of Advancement and CEO of the WSU Foundation, this year’s #CougsGive theme—“Cougs Help Cougs”—was designed to build on the caring and generosity for which Cougs are known.
“We are fortunate to have the tremendous and loyal WSU community raise the bar for #CougsGive in the years to come,” he said. “Above all, we are inspired by the impact these dollars will have across all of WSU’s campuses and colleges.”
Keys to this year’s #CougsGive success were 74 challenge gifts totaling $382,125, which were unlocked through donor participation throughout the day. Cougar Ambassadors—114 in all—also played an essential role in amplifying awareness for the giving opportunity and inspiring their friends, colleagues and family to follow their lead and make their own contributions to #CougsGive.
With the record-breaking success of #CougsGive 2021, more than $2.5 million has been raised during WSU’s annual day of giving since it debuted in 2015. For more information about #CougsGive and to see where your campus, college or program finished the day, visit cougsgive.wsu.edu.
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