Hartwick Community Rallies for Annual Day of Giving, Builds Momentum Toward Campaign Finish
Hartwick College’s Annual Day of Giving, held April 8, once again brought together alumni, students, parents and friends in a strong show of support for the College and its students, with participation rising across every group compared to last year.
More than 500 gifts were made during the day, with contributions arriving from 31 states and Washington, D.C., including donors as far away as Hawaii. The broad geographic reach reflects the continued engagement of the Hartwick community nationwide.
A highlight of this year’s effort was the class-decade challenge, in which current students led the way. The classes of 2020 to 2029 secured first place, followed by alumni from the 1990s in second and graduates from 2000 to 2009 in third. Student participation was especially notable, driven in part by a challenge issued through athletics, resulting in 74 gifts from current students.
The day also welcomed more than 100 first-time donors, an encouraging sign of growing engagement and a strengthening culture of philanthropy across the Hartwick community.
“Participation both on campus and throughout our entire Hartwick community was truly inspiring,” said Stacey Viebrock Grady ’03, interim vice president for advancement and external relations. “This all shows the unwavering commitment across the Hartwick community. That support makes a direct difference in the lives of our students.”
Donors directed their support across a range of priorities. The unrestricted Hartwick Fund led all designations, accounting for 44 percent of gifts, followed by football at 9 percent, softball at 6 percent, and field hockey and Pine Lake at 5 percent each. These areas reflect the breadth of programs and experiences that shape the student journey at Hartwick.
This year’s Day of Giving comes at a pivotal moment for the College, as Hartwick approaches the final stretch of its Together, We Soar campaign. With a June 30 deadline on the horizon, the strong participation and enthusiasm seen during Giving Day signal continued momentum toward reaching the campaign’s goal.
The campaign has focused on the lasting impact of a Hartwick education, highlighting the ways faculty, mentors and experiences shape students’ lives, helping them discover their passions, overcome challenges and launch meaningful careers. As part of this final phase, the College is also inviting friends and alumni to share their own Hartwick stories and the people who made a difference in their journeys. Friends and alumni can complete an online form to share their memories and reflect on how they, in turn, are making a difference.
