NMU Giving Day on Thursday exceeded expectations and goals. The event raised $140,000 for NMU students through gifts from more than 550 donors. It also generated $30,000 in additional support through participation challenges, the “Power Hour” from noon-1 p.m., and match gifts.
“NMU Giving Day once again demonstrated the incredible generosity of the Northern community. We are deeply inspired by the outpouring of support from alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends who came together to make a meaningful impact in a single day,” said Nicole Blemberg, NMU Foundation CEO.
“Each gift will have a lasting effect on our students by expanding access to scholarships, enhancing academic and athletic programs, and providing services and opportunities that help shape their future success,” she added. “This collective effort is a testament to the pride and commitment our community has for Northern Michigan University, and we are sincerely grateful to everyone who helped make this year's Giving Day such a success.”
The theme of this year's fundraising event was “Give to what you love, and rally your fellow Wildcats to do the same.” Participants were encouraged to support the causes that shaped their time at NMU, from academic departments and athletic teams to student organizations and campus programs.
More than 150 donors gave during Power Hour. They helped to unlock an additional $5,000 for the winning programs of Theatre & Dance and NMU Women's Soccer, thanks to generous gifts from NMU alumni and Foundation Board of Trustees Lisa Mueller '90 BS and Jesse Bell '00 BS.
Jerry Molitor '74 BS, a proud College of Business alumnus and longtime supporter, offered a special $2-for-$1 matching gift challenge, pledging up to $10,000 to inspire Giving Day support for the College of Business. The full amount was reached by noon on NMU Giving Day.
As the Wildcat community made progress toward surpassing the goal of 500 donors, it unlocked participation challenges along the way, thanks to NMU supporters including Bill Digneit '08 BS, Steve Latus '78 BA, Ruth Stevens and Pat Honch.
Two alumni offered testimonials on why their NMU experience inspires them to pay it forward for the benefit of current students by contributing during NMU Giving Day.
"NMU has enriched my life in so many ways, from the education I have received here to my professional career and so many of my dear friendships,” said Sarah O'Neill '10 BS, now an NMU employee and graduate student. “I give back because I want future students to experience the unmatched community and support that is the heart of the NMU experience. It is truly an amazing place to live and learn."
"Giving today means supporting current NMU students in their goals and endeavors,” said NMU Alumni Advisory Board Member Kate Sartori '09 BS, '11 MS. “Every student deserves opportunities to not only thrive in their chosen fields, but also in the additional experiences they get to partake in as part of the Wildcat life. I couldn't be prouder to be an alumna and give back where I can!"
View an NMU Giving Day thank-you video from President Chris Olsen here.