Wartburg College set a new record for one-day participation during its second annual day of giving, UKnight Day, March 31.
During the 24-hour period, 943 members of the Wartburg community “UKnighted” to show their support for the college, surpassing the original goal of 852 and increasing last year’s donor number by 34 percent. The donors gifted $82,680. The theme, Be 1 of 852, paid homage to the college’s founding year of 1852.
Donors were provided a 1 of 852 digital badge, customized with their donor number, to share on social media. Those who were unable to give were encouraged to participate in the celebration by sharing their Wartburg memories on social media using the hashtag #UKnightDay.
“The best part of UKnight Day is seeing Knights from around the world come together virtually and in real life to share their love for Wartburg,” said Renee Voves, Alumni & Parent Services and Annual Giving director. “They surpassed every notion of what I thought UKnight Day could be, and I am so proud of the Wartburg community.”
Throughout the 24-hour period gifts were received from 41 states and five countries, including the United States, England, Colombia, China and Bosnia and Herzegovina. One hundred and three Wartburg faculty and staff and 106 students participated in the day of giving. Together, this represented a 24 percent increase in campus involvement.
Students who donated were able to vote for one of three possible names for a new outdoor living area that will be constructed near Clinton Hall, which is currently being renovated as part of the college’s Transforming Tomorrow campaign. The winning name is Ritterplatz, which means “knight’s place” in German.
“We are so proud of all the students who turned in their piggy banks and participated in UKnight Day. As Wartburg students it is important to us to give back to the college that has given us so many amazing opportunities,” said Mallory McDonald, president-elect of Students UKnight. “The most important part of philanthropy is not about the amount but the actual act of giving. UKnight Day teaches us all how awesome it can be to give back and that if we all come together to give a little it can have a huge impact.”
Donations made on UKnight Day count toward the $75 million campaign, a comprehensive fundraising effort benefitting the college’s people, places and programs. The campaign also emphasizes increased Annual Fund gifts to sustain daily college operations and deferred (estate) gifts to provide for its future through a growing endowment.
During the 24-hour period, 943 members of the Wartburg community “UKnighted” to show their support for the college, surpassing the original goal of 852 and increasing last year’s donor number by 34 percent. The donors gifted $82,680. The theme, Be 1 of 852, paid homage to the college’s founding year of 1852.
Donors were provided a 1 of 852 digital badge, customized with their donor number, to share on social media. Those who were unable to give were encouraged to participate in the celebration by sharing their Wartburg memories on social media using the hashtag #UKnightDay.
“The best part of UKnight Day is seeing Knights from around the world come together virtually and in real life to share their love for Wartburg,” said Renee Voves, Alumni & Parent Services and Annual Giving director. “They surpassed every notion of what I thought UKnight Day could be, and I am so proud of the Wartburg community.”
Throughout the 24-hour period gifts were received from 41 states and five countries, including the United States, England, Colombia, China and Bosnia and Herzegovina. One hundred and three Wartburg faculty and staff and 106 students participated in the day of giving. Together, this represented a 24 percent increase in campus involvement.
Students who donated were able to vote for one of three possible names for a new outdoor living area that will be constructed near Clinton Hall, which is currently being renovated as part of the college’s Transforming Tomorrow campaign. The winning name is Ritterplatz, which means “knight’s place” in German.
“We are so proud of all the students who turned in their piggy banks and participated in UKnight Day. As Wartburg students it is important to us to give back to the college that has given us so many amazing opportunities,” said Mallory McDonald, president-elect of Students UKnight. “The most important part of philanthropy is not about the amount but the actual act of giving. UKnight Day teaches us all how awesome it can be to give back and that if we all come together to give a little it can have a huge impact.”
Donations made on UKnight Day count toward the $75 million campaign, a comprehensive fundraising effort benefitting the college’s people, places and programs. The campaign also emphasizes increased Annual Fund gifts to sustain daily college operations and deferred (estate) gifts to provide for its future through a growing endowment.