UAA Giving Day brings Seawolves together, shatters records

Big days for gratitude

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.