Record-Breaking IC Giving Day Raises $1.85 Million in 24 Hours

By Kyle Hornyak, May 5, 2021

Nearly 3,500 donors participated in the largest single-day, community-based fundraising effort in Ithaca College’s history.

On Tuesday, May 4, more than 3,450 Ithaca College students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters demonstrated their collective love for IC by coming together to raise a record-breaking $1.85 million in support of the institution 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 closest to their hearts. Donors contributed to all five schools, specific departments, IC athletics teams, and student organizations and clubs.

In the weeks leading up to Giving Day, and on the big day itself, the college saw renewed engagement on its social media platforms as Bomber alumni, families, and friends reconnected with each other and their alma mater to rally and spread the word about the May 4 fundraising event.

See What People Are Saying

Students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents spoke to the power of the IC experience, sharing their thoughts and experiences on social media. See what Giving Day means to them, in their own words.

IC Community Celebrates 2021 Giving Day

The IC experience is shaped by robust academic programs and a wealth of extracurricular activities, which Ashley Stalnecker ’21 acknowledges have made a tremendous impact on her during her time at Ithaca College.

“For me, Giving Day is an opportunity to give back to the organizations and aspects of college that were the most impactful to my experience,” shares Stalnecker, president of the IC Running Club, who stepped up to fundraise for Giving Day. “I want to see organizations like the Running Club, for example, thrive after I'm gone. I've seen how difficult that can be with a lack of funding. Years from now, when I remember Ithaca College, I will remember the friends I made and the memories I have from Running Club. Giving Day is a chance to highlight those organizations that made my college experience special.”

Adrian Rosario Beato ’23, an athlete on the wrestling team and vice president of PODER: the Latinx Student Association at IC, recorded a special thank-you video for those who gave.

“The experience at Ithaca College is hard to put in one box, because there are so many things to experience here that make you grow as a person,” he said. “Your gift makes a difference by a student being able to be part of a community greater than their own story. With that being said, you make students feel at home at Ithaca College.”

"I am almost at a loss for words to describe the tremendous success of Giving Day, and to thank everyone who made it possible."

Wendy Kobler, Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement

“As a proud alumna, I wanted to make sure that Giving Day provided the option to contribute to as many different Ithaca College causes as possible,” shared Kaylee Collins ’06, senior associate director of engagement who spearheaded IC’s Giving Day under the leadership of Wendy Kobler, PhD, vice president for philanthropy and engagement, and M. Quincy Davidson, associate vice president for engagement. “I’m so proud of my fellow Bombers for stepping up on May 4 to show their commitment to this institution that has changed so many lives, including my own!”

Kobler thanked Collins and the rest of the team in the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement and others across the college who worked so hard not only on Giving Day, but also in the time leading up to it, to help ensure a successful outcome.

“I am almost at a loss for words to describe the tremendous success of Giving Day, and to thank everyone who made it possible,” Kobler said. “This of course includes the donors who helped us smash through the previous mark for number of contributors and dollars raised in a single 24-hour period. Our alumni showed up eager to give of their time, their talent, and their treasure. Whether they made a gift themselves, shared a social media post to spread the word, or reached out to a former classmate to connect them back to their alma mater, we couldn’t be more humbled to see this outpouring of support.”

The Leaderboards

Of the five schools, the Roy H. Park School of Communications received the most Giving Day dollars and donations, followed by the IC Annual Fund for Business.

“I can't put into words how appreciative the Park School is for the donations received as part of IC Giving Day,” said Jack Powers, interim dean of the Park School and parent to two IC graduates. “Park is a special place, and it's reassuring to know that so many alumni, parents and friends of the school recognize that and are so generous. These funds will ensure that the ‘Park Experience’ will continue to thrive for years to come. I'm just so thankful.”

“Giving Day 2021 was a record-breaking moment, exceptional not only for its philanthropic impact on the college, but for what it says about this community and the value and meaning of the IC experience.”

President Shirley M. Collado

Matching to Magnify Impact

In additional to several giving challenges, each school had generous donors offer matching gifts. The Park School, School of Music, School of Business, and School of Health Science and Human Performance each had a $25,000 matching gift. The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) had two matches, one for $5,000 and a second for $20,000. Jerry Dietz ’75 and an anonymous donor matched the generosity of those who gave to H&S, giving an additional $25,000 to the H&S Annual Fund.

“I’m so delighted that so many alumni, friends, faculty and staff stepped up to support H&S on Giving Day, and the impact of their generous gifts has been amplified by our two incredibly generous challenge donors,” said Melanie Stein, dean of H&S. “I’m simultaneously humbled and elated; these gifts will directly support our students’ educational experiences and enhance their learning. The impact is profound, and I’m deeply appreciative of the generosity shown by our community.”

In addition to matching $25,000 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. Other matching gift challenges included the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Senior Class Challenge and the Tom and Sandra McCoy Family Council Match, which benefited the Student Emergency Relief Fund.

Bomber Pride

The IC Annual Fund for Athletics received the highest overall number of gifts, and IC Field Hockey carried the day as the team raising the most funds for its program as teams across IC athletics engaged in friendly competition on Giving Day to fundraise for their respective sports.

“I give to Ithaca College Field Hockey because I want to ensure that the student-athletes that go through the program receive the same amazing experience that I had!” said Victoria Sestito ’22. “I am so proud to be an Ithaca College student-athlete! I also give to the Business School because I am so grateful for my education! Go bombers!”

“These transformative opportunities are supported by contributions to the IC Annual Fund — not through tuition and fees. IC Athletics is deeply grateful to all who contributed to Giving Day.”

Susan Bassett '79, associate vice president of student affairs and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports

Philanthropy is essential to keeping IC Athletics on the cutting-edge of sports performance, said Susan Bassett '79, associate vice president of student affairs and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports.

“I’m so pleased that the Bombers rose to the occasion to fundraise for current and future students,” she said. “Program enhancements including the Leadership Academy, training trips, and specialty equipment make the IC athletics experience distinctive and empower our student-athletes to excel. These transformative opportunities are supported by contributions to the IC Annual Fund — not through tuition and fees. IC Athletics is deeply grateful to all who contributed to Giving Day.”

Ithaca College’s 2021 Giving Day is the first to take place under the leadership of President Shirley M. Collado, who notes that Giving Day is not solely about financial contributions.

“What an amazing day. I stayed tuned in to the leaderboard and watched our numbers continue to tick up hour after hour, as this IC family came through for students and for this institution,” Collado said. “Giving Day 2021 was a record-breaking moment, exceptional not only for its philanthropic impact on the college, but for what it says about this community and the value and meaning of the IC experience. I am filled with gratitude for the alumni, students, faculty, staff and families who made gifts. Thank you for making Giving Day such a resounding success.”

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

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