An Inside Look at Marist's First-Ever Day of Giving
On March 20, 2024, the Marist Community united with a unique sense of purpose — one that could reimagine the meaning of giving back for Red Foxes everywhere.
Months of planning and anticipation led to Marist’s first-ever Day of Giving, when the community set out to embrace contemporary philanthropy through online giving with a clear charge: Secure 1,000 donors in 24 hours.
Giving days are often marked by online campaigns, social media pushes, and campus-wide events, all aimed at rallying the community in a concentrated effort to raise funds within a 24-hour period.
Marist committed to embracing this trend, marking a significant shift in its approach to fundraising – and displaying just how strong the community is by exceeding all goals and predictions as gifts were made, stories were shared, and events were celebrated.
“The success of the College’s Day of Giving is a testament to the unwavering spirit and generosity of Red Foxes everywhere – who not only surpassed the College’s goals, but also redefined what it means to come together as a community,” said Vice President for College Advancement, Chris DelGiorno ’88.
Themed “Red Foxes Rise Together,” the level of participation and donations truly shattered expectations, with the initial goal of 1,000 donors being surpassed before 10 a.m. The day concluded with Marist’s momentum on full display – totaling nearly 2,900 donors and raising more than $560,000.
Gifts at work
All Day of Giving gifts were directed to specific areas of the College that donors wished to support, including various athletic appeals, the Track and Turf Field, Presidential Fund for Equity in the Marist Experience, the Parents Fund, and the Senior Class Legacy. Donors could also give directly to the Marist Fund.
“There are so many things that would benefit from further support,” said Associate Vice President for Development, Mike Byerley. “Philanthropy is an important way to provide added value for our students and their families, opening doors for our Red Foxes.”
From helping students access a Marist education to academic experiences and study abroad, internships and community service, gifts of all sizes play a valuable role in awarding opportunities to Marist students. “Support from the Marist community has allowed me to excel in my studies and make long-lasting meaningful friendships,” said current student Chelsea Venters ’25. “I have been able to experience how wonderful Marist is through access to scholarships funded by alumni. Other students and I can be here because of this generosity. The support does not go unnoticed.”
Giving and Gratitude
The overwhelming success of the 24-hour fundraiser can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the many alumni, students, parents, staff, and friends of the College who were eager and enthusiastic to show their generosity and love for Marist.
“Marist holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew into the person I am today, and where I’ve built and continue to build some of the most meaningful relationships of my life.”
-Christopher Price ’02
“Watching our boys thrive as Red Foxes has been one of the greatest joys of our lives,” said chair of the Parents Council, Jackie Faherty. “We are so excited to contribute to a community that we have come to know and love and to hopefully encourage others to be a part of all that is so special about Marist College.”
-Jackie Faherty P’24/P’26, Parents Council Chair
“Donor support helped me to stay and finish my degree at the College. Without Marist’s generous financial aid packages, I would have had to move back home at the end of my first year. Marist has become a second home to me, and leaving was not something I was prepared to do. Thanks to Marist donors, I will be able to walk the stage on the green next year!”
-Miguel Rojas ’25
Read more about the Day of Giving via Inside Marist.
Generosity and community have always been at the heart of Marist’s identity. This legacy, which has endured for nearly a century, has recently gained extraordinary momentum as alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College have stepped forward with unprecedented enthusiasm to provide philanthropic support for various elements of Marist’s mission and vision.
Marist is at an inflection point in its evolution, with philanthropy acting as a powerful accelerator.
Although Marist is a relatively young institution – with more than 60% of its 51,000 alumni having graduated in the last 25 years – the collective force of its community coming together to enhance the educational experience of current and future students has tremendous impact. Nowhere is this more evident than Marist’s inaugural Day of Giving, covered in greater detail in this issue of Marist Magazine. On this day, generations of alumni participated in record numbers, giving back to ensure that future Red Foxes benefit from similar life-changing academic, professional, and recreational opportunities.
While their individual motivations for giving are unique, donors are united by a belief in Marist’s promise, and a desire to invest in its future.
Also in this issue are several recent gifts and pledges supporting impactful programs, scholarships, or initiatives that advance one or more pillars of Marist 100: Academic Vibrancy, Student Centrality, and Expansive Community.
In each case, donors have been inspired by the College’s ambitious vision of improving the world through education and have stepped forward to fund an element of that vision that resonates with them.
Whether supporting scholarships designed to make a Marist education more affordable, promoting equity and access across the academic experience, assisting students in developing financial-literacy skills, naming space in a premier academic building, or helping to develop signature recreational facilities, each gift is a vote of confidence in Marist, and an investment in its future.
Marist Launches Brick Initiative to Support New Track and Turf Field Project
Ready to turn your memories into milestones? Be a part of Marist's new brick initiative, a unique opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to leave a legacy on campus while supporting the Track and Turf Field project.
The campaign aims to raise funds for the development of a state-of-the-art track and turf field, enhancing the college's athletic infrastructure and providing a top-tier training environment for student-athletes.
Participants can purchase personalized bricks that will be used to create a walking path at the new track facility. All funds will directly contribute to the construction and maintenance of the enhanced athletic space.
Two inscription options are available:
Small Personalized Brick: $500
Large Personalized Square Paver: $1,000
Each brick and paver will be engraved with an individualized message, allowing donors to commemorate their time at Marist, honor a loved one or faculty mentor, and show support for the College's future. Buy your brick and view inscription guidelines at this link.
Vice President for College Advancement Chris DelGiorno expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This first-of-its-kind initiative at Marist is a wonderful way for alumni, parents, and friends to demonstrate their support for our student-athletes and the wider campus community. Donor support will play an invaluable role in bringing this exciting project to fruition and personalized bricks will serve as a powerful symbol of Marist’s community spirit for generations to come.”
Generous gift from longtime Marist supporter W. Jason Hancock
A generous $1 million gift from longtime Marist supporter W. Jason Hancock will enable a wide range of financial literacy initiatives to equip students with important skills to help them become savvy money managers and build brighter financial futures.
