UW Celebrates Record-Breaking 10th Annual Giving Day

The University of Wyoming's 10th annual Giving Day set records with 11,202 donors who gave more than $4.1 million, making it the most successful Giving Day in the university's history.

Since its inception, UW Giving Day has grown exponentially. The 2024 total of $4,175,132 represents significant increases from 2023's results of 8,978 donors and $3,605,192 raised and 2022's totals of 6,296 donors and $4,107,408 raised. This year's success showcases how UW's network of alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters continues to rally for the future of the university.

"We are overwhelmed by the support we've received on this 10th Giving Day," says Doug Stark, chair of the UW Foundation Board. "This milestone is a testament to the strength of the Cowboy community. Together, we're not just raising funds -- we're transforming lives and shaping the future of the University of Wyoming."

A key driver of Giving Day's success was the more than $1.4 million from matching funds and challenges, which provided donors the opportunity to multiply their impact. Notably, the UW Foundation contributed $360,000 in matching funds, while the UW Board of Trustees added $250,000 -- helping to maximize gifts for student success. The McMurry Foundation also provided a $100,000 surprise match to ensure that Giving Day finished strong.

"This year's Giving Day highlights the extraordinary commitment of the entire University of Wyoming community," UW President Ed Seidel says. "Every gift, large and small, plays a vital role in empowering our students and advancing our mission. Thank you for helping us build a legacy of giving that will inspire other to give."

The success of this year's Giving Day was further bolstered by participation from every corner of the university, including more than 265 individual campaigns from academic colleges and units, athletic programs, and student clubs and organizations. This collaboration demonstrates the wide-reaching and diverse nature of support for UW.

"Giving Day has always been about more than dollars raised -- it's about building the culture of philanthropy," says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. "To see this many people from all over the world unite in support of UW shows the deep connection we all share with this incredible institution. The generosity we've witnessed over the last decade will leave an indelible mark."

This year saw a significant increase in student-run campaigns, with the number growing to 117, up from 72 in 2023. These campaigns collectively raised $453,881 in 2024, marking a nearly 20 percent increase compared to the $380,606 raised in 2023.

Challenges in 2024 included the Overall Giving Day Donor Challenge, the Student Organizations Donor Challenge, the Club Sports Donor Challenge, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Donor Challenge, and the Athletics Donor Challenge.

The Overall Donor Challenge was highly competitive once again, with awards going to the top 10 campaigns based on donor numbers. This challenge excluded academic colleges. Western Thunder Marching Band claimed first place with 949 donors who gave $253,169, and the band received the $10,000 top prize. The UW rodeo team followed with 517 donors and $82,333, earning $5,000, while the Nordic ski team came in third with 444 donors and $39,225, receiving $4,000. These are the same top three campaigns as in 2023.

The winner of the Athletics Donor Challenge was the UW rodeo team, with 517 donors giving $82,333, followed by swimming and diving (394 donors, $52,822) and track and field (164 donors, $19,755).

On the College Leaderboard for donor numbers, the College of Arts and Sciences secured the top spot for the second consecutive year with 1,602 donors, nearly twice as many as the second-place College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, which had 893 donors. The College of Health Sciences followed closely in third with 852 donors.

In the Battle of the Deans between the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the College of Business, Engineering and Physical Sciences came out on top with a score of 665 to Business's 587. However, the College of Business raised more money, bringing in $330,342 compared to Engineering and Physical Sciences' $230,146.

In the Battle of the Deans and Directors, the Art Museum finished first with 194 donors and $81,943, followed closely by the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources with 184 donors and $79,428 and the Honors College with 168 donors and $43,098.

"Giving Day is about empowering the entire UW community to make a difference," says Clancee Rea, the director of Annual Giving and Donor Experience Program. "The record-breaking results this year reflect the collective impact we've made over the past decade and the incredible difference that can be made when we all come together to make an impact at UW."