ASU’s ‘Day of Giving’ nets more than $1 million in gifts and pledges 

Arkansas State University’s inaugural Day of Giving raised more than $1 million in gifts and pledges to support the university, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said. Held April 27, the event totaled $1,039,738 with 742 individuals making more than 1,000 pledges.

“For our first-ever event, the response was outstanding,” Damphousse said. “As much as the final total, I am extremely impressed with the wide range of people who joined in. Students, faculty, and staff joined with alumni and community friends to make an impact on the university we all love.”

Leading the way among gifts was support for scholarships, both new and existing funds.

“We were humbled by the number of individuals who wanted to do something for our current students,” Dr. Erika Krennerich Chudy, vice chancellor for university advancement, said. “It’s wonderful to have support for projects, but nothing impacts students and their ability to achieve their academic goals like a private scholarship.”

Participation through the Arkansas State Alumni Association’s special online page peaked Tuesday (April 27) afternoon with one the highest all-time traffic days to the association’s website.

“I want to thank the University Advancement and Alumni Association staff who created and managed this inaugural event,” Damphousse said. “I know they put in hours and hours of work behind the scenes during the weeks leading up to the event, and on behalf of all Red Wolves, I say thank you.”

Several causes highlighted for the first Day of Giving received support, including the American Red Wolf Conservation Fund, the A-State Student Emergency Fund and the 2021 Senior Class Gift Fund. Among the top overall performers were A-State Athletics, the Bradbury Art Museum and KASU. Leading the way among academic areas were the College of Agriculture, the College of Education and Behavioral Science, and the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.

“What made our event successful were the volunteers who turned out for their causes,” Chudy said. “We can tell you the areas that organized their friends saw some of the best results.”

The Day of Giving anchored KASU’s annual fund-raiser, and the on-campus NPR member saw an increase in its spring fund-raising totals over last year.