By Carson Byers
Division of Communications and Marketing
MANHATTAN — On Kansas State University's inaugural Day of Giving, Wildcats across the world shared their pride for academic programs, student success and innovative research. More than 1,600 donors invested $3.4 million in areas across the institution, supporting students, faculty research and college initiatives.
K-State Day of Giving, a 24-hour giving challenge, invited the Wildcat nation to unite and share their love for the university, displaying that when Wildcats come together, we can do good for Kansas and the world.
"The tremendous outpouring of generosity we witnessed during our K-State Day of Giving reaffirms what I've always known about our university community — when called upon, our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students respond with extraordinary heart and commitment," said President Richard Linton. "Every gift represents a personal investment in our shared future and a profound belief in our mission."
Throughout the day, K-Staters supported areas they were most passionate about. Student groups, including the Concrete Canoe team, the K-State Rodeo team and the Wildcat Rocketry team, received donations empowering student engagement and learning beyond the classroom. The Global Impact in Sorghum initiative, which conducts research to improve sorghum production techniques and introduce improved seed, saw support for its mission and used social media to share its impact with audiences. The College of Business Administration rallied funds for applied learning experiences that prepare students for careers. Other significant gifts went to All Faiths Chapel and Cats' Cupboard, a vital resource for enhancing food security at K-State.
Departments across campus competed for bonus funds through various leaderboards and challenges. The College of Business Administration led the way in total dollars raised, bringing in more than $1 million, while the Cats' Cupboard engaged the most donors to secure the top spot in the participation leaderboard with 203 donors.
K-State Day of Giving is a partnership between the university and the Kansas State University Foundation, K-State's strategic partner for philanthropy.