We will raise the resources needed to support SU’s programs, its students and its culture.
Giving Day 2024
On April 2, Sea Gulls around the world – alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends – joined together to support and celebrate the schools, programs and causes they care about most. Together, they made this our most successful Giving Day ever!
In one 24-hour period, 3,061 supporters gave $324,481.45. With $129,451.02 in challenge gifts and a matching commitment of $50,648.31, SU raised $504,580.78 this year.
Compared to 2023, this is $107,836.78 more raised, 558 more gifts and 443 more donors. Additionally, SU nearly doubled the number of student donors from last year. Among the more than 3,000 donors, there were 1,216 alumni, 607 current students, and 359 University faculty and staff.
24-hour
giving period
3,061
supporters gave $324,481.45
$129,451
in challenge gifts
$504,580
raised!
Centennial Scholars Challenge: A Legacy of Giving and Excellence
Salisbury University has embarked on a transformative journey to commemorate its 100th anniversary through the Centennial Scholars Challenge. This ambitious initiative aims to create 100 new scholarship funds, ensuring that future generations of students have the financial support they need to achieve their academic and professional goals
The Centennial Scholars Challenge is more than just a fundraising campaign; it is a testament to the University’s commitment to access and opportunity for all students. By establishing these scholarships, SU is investing in the future leaders, innovators and changemakers who will continue to uphold the University’s legacy of excellence.
Champions Fund: Supporting Athletic Excellence
Among the newly established scholarships is the Champions Fund, created by Dr. Thomas and Nancy Jones. This fund is specifically designed to support SU’s student-athletes, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and the dual challenge of excelling in both academics and athletics.
Dr. Thomas and Nancy Jones are long-time supporters of SU and its athletic programs. Their generous contribution to the Centennial Scholars Challenge underscores their belief in the power of education and sports to transform lives. The Champions Fund will provide financial assistance to student-athletes, helping them to balance their rigorous training schedules with their academic responsibilities.
A Lasting Impact
The Centennial Scholars Challenge and the Champions Fund exemplify the spirit of philanthropy and community that defines Salisbury University. These scholarships will not only alleviate the financial burden on students but also inspire them to strive for greatness, both on and off the field.
As SU celebrates its centennial, the establishment of these 100 scholarship funds will leave a lasting legacy, ensuring SU continues to thrive and produce graduates who are ready to make a positive impact in the world. The Champions Fund, in particular, will empower student-athletes to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential, honoring the commitment and generosity of Dr. Thomas and Nancy Jones.
SU’s Centennial Scholars Challenge is a bold and visionary initiative that will shape the future of the institution and its students. By creating 100 new scholarship funds, SU is making a powerful statement about the importance of education, opportunity and community support. The Champions Fund is a shining example of how individual contributions can make a significant difference, ensuring that SU’s legacy of excellence continues for the next 100 years and beyond.
Donnie Williams Foundation Gift Supports SU’s Summer Enrichment Academies
Donnie Williams, an alumnus of Salisbury University, is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, love of baseball and quest for knowledge. His legacy of supporting the next generation continues through a generous gift from the Donnie Williams Foundation to SU’s Summer Enrichment Academies (SEA). The SEA program offers area youth the opportunity to explore their passions under the guidance of SU’s skilled faculty and staff during the summer, providing a level of support akin to that received during the school year. Programs include diverse fields such as outdoor education, comics and games, musical theatre, forensic science, and filmmaking.
Each summer, hundreds of students enroll to participate in more than 20 different academies. The gift from the Donnie Williams Foundation is particularly crucial as it provides scholarships for students and families who might not otherwise afford participation in such enriching programs.
Williams, who grew up without access to afterschool programs, was deeply committed to ensuring that the children in his home region had better opportunities. The Donnie Williams Foundation’s support for SU’s Summer Enrichment Academies is a testament to Williams’ enduring commitment to education and community enrichment.
