The Abilene Christian University community came together like never before on our first-ever Day of Giving on May 23: ACU received 926 gifts totaling more than $140,000. That’s the most gifts given in a single day to the university in its 111 years.
“I am overwhelmed by the tremendous generosity shown by ACU’s friends and family,” said president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “This was our first Day of Giving, and to call it successful is an understatement. Wildcats from around the world came together to support our students, and we are so grateful.”
The day began with the goal of inspiring 500 gifts. That number was reached by 3 p.m., and a stretch goal of 750 was put in place, said Jim Orr (’86), vice president for advancement.
“We blew past our stretch goal by about 9 p.m., and the gifts kept rolling in,” Orr said. “It was extraordinary to watch.”
Gifts received will support students in one of three areas: the Exceptional Fund, which supports the university’s greatest needs; the Katie Kirby Student Care Fund, which helps students with basic life and health needs; and the John and Evelyn Willis Endowed Scholarship, which provides scholarships for students from all majors and is named for recently retired Bible professor Dr. John Willis (’55) and his wife, Evelyn (Forrest ’56).
“Seeing so many people show how much they care about students and this university is inspiring,” said Craig Fisher (’92), director of alumni relations, university relations and annual projects. “What a blessing it is to be a part of this community.”
Alumni, parents, faculty, staff and students alike posted on social media throughout the day using the hashtag #ACUgives and sharing their stories on why they support the university.
“The response was overwhelming,” Fisher said. “These gifts will help change students’ lives, and I could not be more proud to be a Wildcat.”