Giving Day Success Demonstrates Alumni and Community Appreciation for Austin College
SHERMAN, TEXAS —A total of 583 alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the College showed their support with a total of $664,640 in donations as Austin College held its fourth annual Giving Day March 5, 2024.
The success of Giving Day is rooted in the high regard in which alumni and community members hold Austin College. Alumna Susan Stephens ’79 explained, “My support is founded in the belief that an Austin College education enables a student to use critical thinking skills throughout their lifetime. These skills are developed with academic, social, sport, and service opportunities to view the world and determine where they can offer the greatest good.”
Support for Giving Day has grown each year since the first event in 2021. The College exceeded its goals for both the number of donors and dollars committed during this, its 175th year.
Donors were given the option of directing their gifts to specific funds, such as immediate-use scholarships and athletic programs. President and CeCe O’Day matched $1,000 in gifts from first-time donors. In addition, several alumni offered challenges and matches throughout the day:
Sarah Gunderson ’81 $25,000 match towards Immediate-use Scholarships
Don Gibson ’75 $10,000 challenge tied to donor count
Susan Stephens ’79 $10,000 match for new President’s Circle donors
Kris ’78 & Mark McKinney $5,000 match towards Annual Fund
John ’11 & Casey ’12 Rauschuber $2,500 dollar-for-dollar Power Hour match
Bob Albritton ’66 $1,000 challenge tied to donor count
Montie Krumnow Marvin ’89 $1,000 challenge for Class of 1989
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.