Orange You Glad Day of Giving raises over $100,000

Baker University’s annual Day of Giving, held on April 21, raised more than $103,000 to support academics at all four schools as well as athletic programs and sorority and fraternity life on the Baldwin City campus.

“This year’s Day of Giving demonstrates how our community continues to rise and make a difference in the lives of our students,” said President Lynne Murray. “I am deeply appreciative of the generosity alumni show year after year when given the opportunity to support our students, and this year was no different. With a focus on creating exceptional experiences for them, donations were made to individual academic programs, equipment, and capital projects.”

Student participation through video messages posted on social media throughout the day was instrumental in the success of the daylong event. In the videos, students from a variety of majors explained the impact that financial support will have on their departments. They requested donations to make possible travel and research, new equipment and technology, and scholarships.

This year’s Day of Giving raised $11,000 more than last year’s, and many donors made their first gifts to the university.

“The hard work by the advancement and marketing teams on the Orange You Glad project was a lot of fun to see. Both teams put in a lot of effort, and I’m very happy to see those efforts turn into a significant success,” said Nate Houser, ’94, associate vice president of advancement.

The Young Alumni Spring Social closed out the day. Graduates from 2006 to 2022 gathered in Shawnee, Kansas, at Servaes Brewing Co., owned and operated by alumna Courtney Servaes, ’09.

“It’s always a treat to get together with fellow Wildcats,” said Doug Barth, ’91, director of alumni relations. “It was especially fun to hold the event on Orange You Glad Day of Giving. Seeing our younger alumni talking and laughing together and witnessing the friendships that have endured past graduation reinforces why I’m glad to be a Wildcat. And I think that is true for everyone at the social.”

Since its inception in 2017, Day of Giving has raised nearly $500,000 for university needs through more than 1,110 gifts.