IC Giving Day Raises Record-Breaking $2.2 Million in 24 Hours

By Kyle Hornyak, April 27, 2022

Nearly 5,000 donors contributed to the largest single-day, community-based fundraising effort in Ithaca College’s history.

More than 4,700 IC students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other supporters showed the power of Bomber solidarity on Tuesday, April 26, to raise a record-shattering $2.2 million during Ithaca College Giving Day.

This 24-hour fundraising initiative gave community members the opportunity to show their love for the aspects of the IC experience that are near and dear to their hearts. Donors contributed to all five schools, academic departments, athletics teams, student financial aid, and student organizations and clubs.  

Bomber Pride

Ithaca College's women's volleyball team received a total of 518 gifts on Giving Day, the most of any progam. (Photo submitted)

Of the 4,788 donors who contributed on Giving Day, an incredible 3,500 were current and former student-athletes and supporters, who collaboratively raised more than $1 million over 24 hours.

It is donor philanthropy that sustains Ithaca College Athletics and empowers student-athletes to excel, said Susan Bassett '79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports.

“I am thrilled that the Bombers once again rallied to fundraise for current and future students,” Bassett said. “Enhancements such as the Leadership Academy, training trips, and innovative equipment keep the IC athletics experience distinctive and on the cutting-edge of sports performance. These opportunities are supported by contributions to the Ithaca College Annual Fund — not through tuition and fees. IC Athletics is immensely grateful to all who contributed to Giving Day.”

The Annual Fund for Athletics received the highest overall number of gifts, led by the women's volleyball team with 518. The football program led all teams by raising $124,408, as teams across athletics engaged in friendly competition on Giving Day to fundraise for their respective sports.

“It is overwhelming to realize how many people answered the call when we asked for their help, and we are really grateful for all of the donations and statements of support we received during Giving Day!” shared head volleyball coach Johan Dulfer.

A Community Effort

In the weeks leading up to Giving Day, the college saw a notable uptick in engagement on its social media platforms as alumni, families, and friends reconnected with each other and their alma mater to spread the word about the April 26 fundraising event.   

“As an alumnus, it was important to me that Giving Day allowed donors to contribute to many different causes,” said Brian Kluger ’14, senior associate director of engagement, who spearheaded the initiative Day under the leadership of Wendy Kobler, vice president for philanthropy and engagement, and M. Quincy Davidson, associate vice president for engagement. “I’m proud of my fellow Bombers for stepping up on to show their dedication to this institution that has transformed so many lives. Many thanks to all who gave!”

Kobler thanked Kluger, the team in the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement, and others across the college who contributed their efforts to ensuring a successful outcome.

“Witnessing our IC community come together in support of our students on Giving Day has been an exhilarating and moving experience,” Kobler said. “I wish to send a heartfelt thank you to the donors who helped us shatter our existing 24-hour fundraising record by contributing their time, talent, and treasure. Whether donors made a gift, shared a social media post to spread the word, or reached out to a classmate to connect them back to their alma mater, we were energized and humbled to see this outpouring of support.”

Last year Ithaca College’s Giving Day raised, at the time, a record-breaking $1.85 million.

The Leaderboards

School of Humanities and Sciences received the most Giving Day dollars. (Photo by Andrew Frasz)

Of the five schools, the School of Humanities and Sciences received the most Giving Day dollars, followed by the Annual Fund for Business.

“We are so gratified by the abundance of donations that were made to the school on Giving Day, many from our very own alumni,” shared Claire Gleitman, dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences. “We intend to use those gifts to enhance our students' intellectual and experiential opportunities in H&S, and we are grateful to our donors for supporting that, and supporting the liberal arts, so generously.”

Matching to Magnify Impact

In addition to several giving challenges, each school had generous donors offer matching gifts of amounts between $25,000 and $50,000.

Along with matching gifts for each school — all of which were unlocked — there were several other ways for donors to make the most of their gifts through a match. Gift challenges included a Student Emergency Relief Fund match courtesy of Anne and Paul Mankiewich, Parents '20; Trustee David '85 and Rosanna Meberg, Parents '23; and Harris ’89 and Geri ’91 Cohen, Parents '25, and a matching gift to the Library Fund bestowed by Trustee Jim '77 and Kathleen Nolan, Parents '01; and Kirk Harbinger '89 & Elaine Scaia-Harbinger '89.

Every Day Can Be Giving Day

Find out how you can support Ithaca College 365 days a year.

GIVING TO ITHACA COLLEGE

Ithaca College’s 2022 Giving Day is the first to take place under the leadership of President La Jerne Terry Cornish.

“What an exciting evening! I joined colleagues in Alumni Hall past 10:00 p.m. to watch our numbers continue to tick up as our IC family truly showed up for our students and for this institution,” Cornish said. “Giving Day 2022 was a record-breaking and beautiful moment, not only for its philanthropic impact, but for what it demonstrates about the love our community has for our students and our home on South Hill. Thank you to our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and families for making Giving Day 2022 such a resounding success.”

To learn more about the impact of Ithaca College Giving Day, visit givingday.ithaca.edu.