Donors Set New Record for 2018 Duquesne Day of Giving
The third annual Duquesne Day of Giving resulted in record-high numbers and successes thanks to the generosity of participants in the campaign.
Donors had the option to make an unrestricted gift to The Duquesne Fund (which helps the University meet its most pressing needs) or designate a gift to the school, organization or sports team of their choice. The Feb. 8 campaign’s 1,608 gifts led to $294,333 in donations—both of which mark new one-day records for the initiative.
“The Duquesne Day of Giving always serves as a great reminder about how much Duquesne means to so many people all over the world,” said David Jakielo, assistant director of annual giving, who explained that some universities experience a drop in giving after just a year or two because the novelty of a one-day campaign wanes.
“The fact that our number of gifts increased by 32% and dollars increased by 78% from the prior year isn’t something we could have imagined,” said Jakielo. “This avalanche of generosity by our alumni and friends was very inspiring and humbling.”
Faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and friends are invited to make a gift to support the University during the campaign. Other record-breaking highlights from the 2018 Duquesne Day of Giving include:
- $110,000 in Challenge Gifts
- Donations were designated for nearly 150 areas of the University
- Donations came in from 40 states, including Hawaii and Alaska
- International donations were made from Saskatchewan, Italy, Japan and Kenya
- More than 400 #DUQDayofGiving posts appeared on social media.
In addition, Jakielo said that approximately 130 current Duquesne undergraduate and graduate students donated to the Day of Giving. “I think that speaks volumes that our students believe in Duquesne and its mission, and that they’re pleased with the education they’re receiving here,” he said.
Although the Day of Giving takes place on one day, Jakielo pointed out that it is truly a year-round effort. “Our Division of Advancement was on the road building Day of Giving excitement across the country, and that—along with a number of Duquesne employees and local alumni stepping up—led to $110,000 in Challenge or Matching Gifts being available to unlock on the day, a 189% increase from last year,” he said. “I think that motivated a lot of people to increase their gift to Duquesne, make a second gift this year or donate for the first time.”
The 2019 Duquesne Day of Giving will be held on Feb. 19, 2019.