Founders’ Day of Giving generates more than half a million dollars for student initiatives at WSU
On this year’s Founders’ Day of Giving, Shocker Nation showed up to support Wichita State University – more than doubling our fundraising goal of $250,000. During this 24-hour giving event, 1,244 donors helped raise $547,736 for student initiatives at WSU.
“This year’s Founders’ Day was one for the books, and not just because of the dollars we raised to support programs and projects across campus,” says Telly McGaha, WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement president and CEO. “This is a day that represents the collective commitment of our alumni, friends, faculty and staff in making a difference at the university and for the students we serve.”
Teri Hall, WSU vice president for student affairs, pledged to support the three student organizations with the most donors, resulting in a spirited competition between groups across campus. Throughout the day, students shared messages on their social media channels encouraging their peers, friends and families to make a gift in support of their organization. At 222 donors, Shocker Racing Formula SAE won the challenge, followed by Shocker Rowing, 171, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, 103.
“What I love about Founders’ Day is two-fold,” Hall says. “It, of course, increases financial support for our student organizations, but it also helps students begin to understand the importance and impact of philanthropy.”
Taylor Spinelli, biomedical engineering student and fundraising co-chair for Shocker Rowing, sees that impact up-close. “From race entries to equipment upkeep to travel expenses, we acknowledge that every dollar donated goes toward making this a better experience for students on the team,” she says.
This year’s giving day nearly triples donor count and dollars raised from the 2024 event, which generated $156,000 from 426 donors in support of student initiatives at WSU.
“To say we are grateful is an understatement,” says Sam Anderson, WSUFAE director of annual giving. “Every Shocker who showed up for Founders’ Day, who gave of their personal resources to support the causes they care about at Wichita State: Your giving makes all the difference for our university, for our students and for our future.”
