Nearly 1,900 Wartburg College students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters helped the college reach its goal for one-day participation during the school’s sixth annual day of giving, UKnight Day, on March 25.

During the 24-hour period, 1,861 members of the Wartburg community “UKnighted” with financial support for the college, surpassing the goal of 1,852 (a nod to the year the college was founded) and raising nearly $172,000 for the college.

“UKnight Day is a very special day for the Wartburg community. I love seeing alums, family and students making gifts and sharing their experiences on social media,” said Jared Feigenbaum, Students UKnight president.

Throughout the 24-hour period, gifts were received from all 50 states and several countries. Once the final state was crossed off, Bob Severson, a 1966 graduate, and his wife, Sally, donated an additional $5,000 in recognition of the feat. The Class of 2024 sat atop the graduation year leaderboard with 70 total donors by the end of the day, though graduates from 74 different class years donated throughout the day unlocking a $5,000 challenge gift from Steve and Jill Meirink.

Other challenges throughout the day were focused on surpassing previous year’s donor goals of 500, 852, 1,000 and 1,500. The same donor goal was used in 2019 and the event was put on hiatus in 2020 when the college instead launched a UKnight for Students campaign to help those most financially impacted by COVID-19.

In addition to the participation and state challenges, donors also could work toward the completion of Sir Victor’s Quest, which required a $20.21 (or more) donation and the recruitment of five other UKnight Day donors. Of the more than 40 who completed that quest, the college crowned two “Ultimate Knights,” recognizing the individual who recruited the most donors using their unique URL and the one who brought in the most money through their link. Senior Elizabeth Stange once again recruited the most donors with 39, while Jen Christy, a 1995 Wartburg graduate, brought in nearly $2,000 through her link.

“UKnight Day is all about the Wartburg College community coming together and showing why the college is the finest in the east or west,” said Rob Ruchotzke, director of annual giving. “This year we wanted to chart the path forward for our current and future students through the generosity of our Knights. The fact that we can reach such an impressive goal in the middle of a pandemic shows the pillars of faith, leadership and service of our mission.”

Donors were provided a digital badge, customized with their donor number, to share on social media. Those with a connection to the college were encouraged to participate in the celebration by sharing their Wartburg memories on social media using the hashtag #UKnightDay.

Gifts made on UKnight Day support the college’s Annual Fund.