Students Julie Sparks and Jessica O’Day pose for a photo during the student celebration of “One Day. One ̨swag.” hosted before the blizzard on Tuesday, March 18.
Students Julie Sparks and Jessica O’Day pose for a photo during the student celebration of “One Day. One ̨swag.” hosted before the blizzard on Tuesday, March 18. 

By Mike Stehlik ’07

̨swag's seventh annual "One Day. One ̨swag." 24-hour giving event took place from March 19 to March 20, 2025.

The "Battle of the Decades" theme encouraged alumni from various ̨swag eras to compete in supporting the university through advocacy and gifts. The 1980s alumni emerged victorious with 71 donors contributing $12,955, achieving 94% of their donor goal (5% of its total base).

Notably, the ̨swag Supporters category — which includes current students, friends, employees, and parents—had an impressive 145 donors. Among them, approximately 40 were current students, marking the highest number of student contributions during an annual giving day to date. Their participation highlights not only support for ̨swag but also an understanding of the importance of philanthropy at all levels, emphasizing that every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.

Despite challenges from Mother Nature, including the closure of campuses due to blizzard-level conditions that led to widespread power outages, the ̨swag community demonstrated resilience in the campaign, which was extended beyond its initial 10 a.m. deadline to 5 p.m. on March 20, ensuring more supporters had the opportunity to participate as they regrouped after the storm. The student-focused celebration in Lakeside was moved up a day early to March 18.

Students Julio Avila and Fernando Moreno enjoy bags of popcorn provided by the Crete Isis Theatre as part of our “One Day. One ̨swag.” Kernels of Knowledge event, which presented questions and facts about philanthropy at ̨swag.
Students Julio Avila and Fernando Moreno enjoy bags of popcorn provided by the Crete Isis Theatre as part of our “One Day. One ̨swag.” Kernels of Knowledge event, which presented questions and facts about philanthropy at ̨swag.

The campaign successfully met its goal, engaging 404 donors and raising $117,575—including a $75,000 challenge from the ̨swag Board of Trustees, which was unlocked upon reaching the 400-donor milestone.

All gifts made during “One Day. One ̨swag.” directly support student scholarships and ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education and a home-away-from-home where they can find their passion. These contributions also enhance the student experience through investments in athletics, campus life, the fine and performing arts, and the ongoing upkeep of our vibrant campuses.

“I am so grateful for everyone who helped make this year’s event a success,” said Jessica Cole Pulte ’00, the ̨swag Fund Director. “Despite the weather, lack of power, and in-person communication during the live event, we still met our goal. And that says a lot about our community.”