April 7 was a rainy day, but that didn’t stop the community from coming together and supporting the University of Lynchburg’s 2022 GiveDay. In all, 1,440 donors gave more than $280,000, easily surpassing the University’s goal of 1,119 donors for 119 years of Lynchburg history.
Perhaps most impressive, about 275 donors gave for the first time. That’s an increase of 74% over GiveDay 2021. The Lynchburg Fund, which supports all aspects of the student experience, reached $90,000 – that’s 22% more than last year.
Due to the weather, the day’s GiveDay Live broadcast was moved to Drysdale Student Center. However, the indoor livestream location — right outside Burton Dining Hall — made the event more visible to the campus, says Director of Institutional Giving Erika Mork.
“We’re really happy with how successful GiveDay 2022 turned out, and we’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s support,” Mork said. “The campus really came together, and it was a joy to see Lynchburg’s many different facets all so well represented.”
GiveDay Live included prerecorded videos and live interviews featuring several athletic teams, academic programs, centers, and flagship facilities on and off campus. These included the Daura Museum of Art, Claytor Nature Center, and Historic Sandusky.
Hornets off and on campus rallied for a total of $65,000 in matches and challenges. The University of Lynchburg Board of Trustees pledged more than $30,000 and the Parents Council pledged $16,000.
President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar and her husband, First Gentleman Dr. Bob Shetlar, put forward $4,500 to match every $20 per student donor.
“I am proud of our students for stepping forward and engaging in their own philanthropic journey in support of the University,” Morrison-Shetlar said. “Many of them have benefited from the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, and they want to give back. Every single gift has the power to change lives.”
Overall, about 40% of GiveDay 2022 donors identified as alumni, 10% as current parents, 9% as faculty/staff, 7% as current students, 7% as “friends,” and 5% as parents of alumni. Both the alumni association board and board of advisors achieved 100% participation in giving on the day.
