Giving Day supporters show up in big way to help Liberty train more Champions for Christ

Liberty University’s fifth annual all-day fundraising drive, Giving Day, has been deemed a huge success as 6,466 supporters from around the world joined Liberty in its mission on Wednesday, helping to “fuel the fire” by giving over $2.9 million to bolster academic and athletics programs and provide scholarships for current and future Champions for Christ.

The overall total has now reached $2,907,510. The money will fund over 100 campaign initiatives across campus.

“The response to Giving Day for Liberty again was so great this year, and we want to keep that momentum going year after year,” said Jim Nichols, Liberty’s Vice President of University and Athletic Development. “I am grateful for all of our alumni and the parents, friends, staff, and faculty who gave back to help Liberty University continue its mission.”

“We were overwhelmed by the support on Giving Day from across Flames Nation,” added Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of Development Mike Hagen. “These gifts will make a difference for our student-athletes and coaches, providing resources to compete at the highest level and prepare to impact the world for Christ. We are so thankful for our former athletes, parents, and fans who choose to be a part of our team through giving.”

Supporters could give any amount to the area of their choice, from 24 different departments, schools, and colleges, and had the chance to participate in 14 special fundraising challenges, including the Deans Excellence Challenge, in which a $30,000 gift was distributed to the top five academic departments receiving the highest donations: School of Education, School of Nursing, School of Business, School of Aeronautics, and the College of Arts & Sciences.

“We are so appreciative of our current students, faculty, alumni, parents, and School of Education supporters whose generous contributions will allow us to offer a Teachers for Tomorrow scholarship to outstanding teacher candidates,” said School of Education Online Dean/Interim Residential Dean Dr. Deanna Keith. “Additionally, these donations will allow for enhanced and exciting technologies to be added to the Parker Active Learning Classroom.”

For the second year in a row, the softball team led all of Liberty’s 20 NCAA I athletics programs with 838 total gifts, which unlocked a $10,000 bonus gift to the team’s annual Excellence Fund.

While many supporters joined in the celebration online, through the Giving Day website and Liberty’s main social media channels, students, faculty, and staff also had the chance to participate in fun events on campus. Golf carts, driven by deans, coaches, and members of Liberty’s administration, circled the campus in the style of the television game show “Cash Cab” and quizzed students on Liberty trivia. Prizes were “Liberty Dollars” that could be turned in to donate to a campaign of the student’s choice. Students could also solve problems or answer quiz questions at donation tables set up around campus.

“The Giving Day team has worked since February to make sure that this 24-hour period would enable our university to invest in our students as we Train Champions for Christ,” said Dan Branda, assistant director of advancement operations who oversaw Giving Day this year. “We have bathed this day in prayer since our first meeting. God answered our prayers in an amazing way. Now our prayer is that we would be good stewards of those gifts.”

Director of Alumni Relations Giuseppe Cucci said Liberty’s alumni played a major role in Giving Day: “We are so excited to see our generous alumni support their alma mater by giving to the scholarships and programs at the university to Train Future Champions for Christ. The Office of Alumni Relations is very thankful for their continued support.”

“I am so thankful for the Liberty family and community for their continual support of the students and the mission of Liberty University,” added School of Music Dean Dr. Stephen Müller. “Over the years, Giving Day donors have stepped up and blessed the School of Music through their generosity. It is a great opportunity for all of us to join in and show our support for these awesome students and make them feel loved and appreciated.’”

Scott Hayes, Dean of the School of Communication & the Arts, called Giving Day a “great joy.”

“Our supporters, faculty, staff, and students have been so generous, and this year even more so,” he said. “We had donations from representatives of all five departments. SCA is already richly blessed, and these gifts will be used for scholarships, to fund guest artists, make facility improvements, and other needs that go beyond our budgets. Thank you to all of our donors — we appreciate your support and your prayers for the School of Communication & the Arts.”

>>For more opportunities to partner with Liberty University in its mission, visit Liberty.edu/Giving.