VCU news

By Kristen Caldwell
Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Virginia Commonwealth University held its first Giving Day on April 28. The 24-hour fundraising drive united academic departments, athletics, student and community programs, VCU Health and more in the goal of making a transformational impact on the university.

By the end of the day, the overall total reached $2,562,085 received from 4,840 members of the VCU Ramily living around the world. The donations will fund over 80 campaign initiatives across campus. Official totals are still being finalized.

Jay Davenport, VCU’s vice president of Development and Alumni Relations, said that Giving Day will become an annual tradition.

“This has been an exciting year for VCU as our donors have already helped us achieve a record year of giving,” he said. “And on our inaugural Giving Day, our alumni and friends have proven that VCU is an important part of their lives. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference, and we are grateful for every one.”

Students also had the chance to participate in Giving Day through activities organized as part of VCU’s annual Philanthropy Week. Members of Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, VCU’s student alumni organization, tabled on campus to share how private philanthropy has enriched students’ VCU experience.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s participation on our inaugural Giving Day, when we came together to celebrate how we transform the community and the world,” says Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and VCU Health. “The dedication, enthusiasm and generosity of our alumni and friends made an impact on the entire university. Thanks to their support, students will learn and experience more, discoveries will be made and communities will be strengthened.”

Did you miss Giving Day? You can still support ongoing programs by visiting support.vcu.edu.