University Of Alaska Anchorage: UAA Giving Day Brings Seawolves Together, Shatters Records

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

November 17, 2021

During a 49-hour online marathon of generosity, nearly 1,000 donors contributed a
record-breaking $260,000 in support of UAA students, athletes, programs and scholarships
for the university’s second annual Giving Day event.

The crowdfunding-style philanthropy event, co-organized with the University of Alaska
statewide system, drew donors from 41 states and 12 countries from Nov. 9-10.

Gifts of all sizes, ranging from $5 to $25,000, unlocked 47 pledged gifts from business
partners and individuals who helped multiply donations during Giving Day. The average
gift was $200. Alumni made up more than 25% of Giving Day contributors and UAA employees
made up another 25% of donors.

Rallied by coaches, advocates and friends who served as volunteer “champions” to spread
the word, more than half of the gifts supported Seawolf Athletics, including more
than 220 supporters for Seawolf gymnastics, 93 for volleyball, 68 for cross-country
and track and field, 51 for women’s basketball and 41 for men's basketball.

The College of Health took the prize for most-supported UAA college, followed by the
College of Business and Public Policy and College of Arts and Sciences. Mat-Su College
and Kenai Peninsula College were the most-supported community campuses.

“It has been incredible to see the generosity of our alumni, friends, parents, faculty
and staff in action during Giving Day,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Development
Bobi Rinehart. “Our community’s continued support has proven to be transformative
for the future of higher education in Alaska.”

Collectively, the University of Alaska system raised $1,064,000 on Giving Day, which
folds into the For Alaska fundraising campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in
state history to build $200 million in new investments in students, workforce, economic
development and research.

Learn more about the campaign themes and how to make an impact throughout the year.

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.