Record-breaking Day of Giving Leaves A Lasting Impact Across Campus

Marshall University's annual Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall reached new heights this year, raising a record-breaking $275,189 in support of students, programs and university initiatives. Held virtually from April 23-24, the event was hosted by the Marshall University Foundation and inspired the largest donor turnout in its four-year history, with 591 individuals making 664 gifts.

"This was my first year experiencing Marshall's Day of Giving, and I was truly moved by the outpouring of support from our alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends," said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. "The generosity and dedication of Marshall's donors made this event an incredible success, and it's clear that the spirit of giving here is strong and continues to grow." The event featured numerous matching gift opportunities and themed challenges to increase participation. Areas such as the Bill Noe Flight School, graduate assistantships and the student emergency fund were spotlighted throughout the event.

Leah Tolliver, assistant dean of wellness programs, shared the powerful impact of the student emergency fund, calling it "a lifeline" for students in crisis. It helps cover urgent needs like housing, food and medical care, allowing students to stay focused on their education. From disasters like fires and floods to medical and housing emergencies, the fund offers hope and stability.

"It's more than financial help," she said. "It reminds students they're not alone, their Marshall family is here." Currently enrolled students can apply by contacting [email protected] to schedule a confidential meeting.

This year, Marshall partnered with the university's fraternities and sororities during Greek Week, held March 30 to April 5, to raise money for the student emergency fund. Chase Stewart, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life, served as an adviser, helping guide the community in a positive direction.

"For outreach, we leaned on our fraternities' and sororities' competitive mindset with a philanthropic campaign during Greek Week," he shared. "While philanthropy has always been a part of Greek Week, I challenged our leadership to make this year's philanthropic section worth the most points available in a single category. Doing this allowed Greeks to give back in a meaningful way while still embracing healthy competition." Gifts poured in for a wide variety of priorities across campus, including the Lewis College of Business, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Student Affairs and Marshall For All, Marshall Forever, an initiative designed to reduce or eliminate student debt for graduates.

Among these efforts, Marshall For All received a notable boost with $11,000 raised in support of its mission.

"I'm so thankful for donations earmarked for the Marshall For All program," said Jennifer Jimison, the program's director. "These donations help students to pursue their education without relying on student loan debt." Much of the day's momentum came from a dedicated group of 49 volunteer ambassadors, who promoted the event through social media, emails and personal stories.

These ambassadors inspired 146 gifts totaling more than $12,500, helping to broaden the event's reach. Among them was Shaunte Polk, director of access, connections and engagement, who generated the highest number of individual donations.

"I truly believe that many of them gave back not just because they love Marshall but because they also believe in (our work). They've seen the impact of our programs and how dedicated we've been to support every student who walks through our door," Polk said. "That kind of trust and respect means everything. I wanted to gather everyone to give back because I believe in the power of community."

Next year's Day of Giving: 1837 Minutes for Marshall is already set. Mark your calendar for noon April 22 through 6:37 p.m. April 23, as 1837 Minutes for Marshall returns for another impactful celebration for the Herd.