892,858 reasons to say thank you

BGSU One Day makes history with record-setting day of giving

By Anne-Margaret Swary

Despite a year full of unforeseen challenges, Bowling Green State University alumni and friends from around the world came together for a record-setting day of giving to support the University and its students.

This year’s BGSU One Day: Homecoming Edition brought in nearly $900,000 in donations, surpassing last year’s historic success. 

“In our fourth annual dedicated day of giving, we are once again blown away by the support demonstrated by our alumni and friends,” said Jenny Wensink, director of annual giving and alumni relations. “Our students are experiencing an unusual fall semester, but we know many of our alumni and friends are experiencing challenges in their lives during this time as well. Yet when we needed them most, Falcons came together to support our students through a historic BGSU One Day.”

Of this year’s total, nearly $400,000 was raised for student scholarships across the University, helping increase the accessibility and affordability of a BGSU education for current and future students. 

Other gifts supported professional development opportunities, experiential learning programs, research, Greek chapters, student media, learning communities, mental health resources, building and technology upgrades, and each of the University’s colleges and academic units, among many other programs. A total of nearly 1,500 individual gifts poured in during this year’s 36-hour online fundraising campaign to support 139 different funds.

“When we needed their support, our Falcons in all 50 states and around the globe answered the call on BGSU One Day,” said BGSU President Dr. Rodney Rogers. “We are thrilled to have exceeded last year’s historic total, especially amidst such challenging times. This philanthropic support ensures that we are in a position to thrive on the other side of this COVID-19 crisis and continue our work in creating public good and serving Ohio and beyond.”

Of particular importance this year were donations to the Student Emergency Fund, which supports current students who are experiencing financial hardships, accidents, illnesses or other emergency situations that jeopardize their ability to remain a student at BGSU. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is prioritizing requests related to housing and food, as well as reliable internet access for those with remote and online classes.

“Despite multiple challenges this year, including having to postpone our day of giving from its usual date in April, BGSU One Day: Homecoming Edition was a focused and collaborative effort that brought our BGSU community together to show the world the difference Falcons can make in One Day,” said Pam Conlin, vice president for University Advancement. “The overwhelming support from our alumni and friends reaffirms our commitment to creating public good and driving the vitality of the communities we serve. Because of that support, our University will be positioned to thrive on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis. “

Also critical to this year’s success were the 70 match and challenge gifts and 400 One Day ambassadors who helped promote the day of giving through email and social media.

“Thank you to everyone who made this day a tremendous success,” Wensink said. “Whether you served as an ambassador, issued a match or challenge gift, made a gift or shared your story on social media, you made a difference in the lives of our students.”