Colby-Sawyer’s first Day of Giving far exceeded its goal of 300 gifts in 24 hours – 837 alumni, students, parents, grandparents, trustees, friends, faculty and staff made gifts on April 18 that totaled $163,532.

Matching gift challenges throughout the day of $25,000 from the Board of Trustees, plus $10,000 from a former board member, helped motivate donors to give, as did a video of students and alumni thanking the faculty and staff who inspired them along with social media activity throughout the day.

Every gift is an investment in Colby-Sawyer students and their experience, whether it goes to supporting financial aid, internship support, classroom enhancements or athletics.

“We are overwhelmed by the success of the college’s first Day of Giving. After exceeding the goal by 9:25 AM, we increased the goal to 600 donors and finished the day with 837,” President Susan D. Stuebner said. “What a wonderful example of what the Colby-Sawyer community can accomplish when we join together. Thank you for making a difference!”

All of the funds raised during the Day of Giving add to the nearly $44 million raised thus far in support of the Power of Infinity Campaign with its $60 million goal, the largest capital campaign in the college’s history.

“Supporting Colby-Sawyer with a gift of any size strengthens the college and shows the wonderful connection that students, alumni, faculty, parents and staff feel for this very special place,” Vice President for College Advancement Dan Parish said.