Elmhurst College alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students came together on May 2 and set a new fundraising record of $346,586 during the College’s third annual #JayItForward Giving Day.
In all, 837 gifts were made during the 24-hour fundraiser to support student scholarships and other College initiatives, with the final number exceeding the 2018 record total by nearly $60,000.
President Troy D. VanAken announced the final results on May 3 during a campus “reveal” also carried on Facebook Live.
This third year of Giving Day saw a 20 percent increase over 2018 in total dollars raised, and surpassed the goal by 16 percent. Gifts came in from 28 states and three countries, and the size of the average gift was significantly larger this year—in 2018 the average gift was $273; this year it was $414.
On May 2, the campus was busy all day and into the evening with activities that not only supported #JayItForward Giving Day but also showcased student achievement and the impact of an Elmhurst education.
At the Founders’ Honors Convocation, the College announced the winners of some of the most prestigious student awards, as well as the recipients of grants and other educational opportunities. Later in the day, students presented scholarly research, gave musical performances and more during the 16th Annual Research and Performance Showcase.
These events represent just a few of the ways the College supports students and creates an environment where they can succeed, President VanAken said during the Giving Day kickoff breakfast. Another is through scholarships.
“Many of our students have limited means, but unlimited potential. For those students, scholarships can make all the difference in whether they can come here, thrive here and graduate,” he said. “That’s why we are here today. When you Jay It Forward by making a gift, you’re helping to change lives forever.”