The challenge for Augustana third annual Giving Day was to #GiveLikeAViking in support of student scholarships.
Viking supporters responded en masse and shattered the last two years records.
The 24-hour giving event, held on Friday, May 17, raised $309,120 through 556 gifts received from individuals in 42 states, as well as eight countries: Australia, Ethiopia, China, Vietnam, Norway, India, Nepal and Kenya.
淗ow was Augustana able to offer a solid education with less student loans? Donors. That is why I give to Augustana now, said Dillon DeBoer 12. 淎 donor gave, not knowing who would receive the gift, because they believed in Augustana and the graduates they were putting out. I would not have been able to afford Augustana if it wasn檛 for the generosity of donors. And thankfully Augustana alum have a spirit of giving.
淲hen we all come together in support of Augustana, our entire community succeeds, said Augustana President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. 淲e challenged alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty and staff to support Giving Day and they blew us away with their generous donations.
淰ikings were daring explorers, loyal warriors and innovative problem-solvers who had characteristics that inspire us yet today. Giving Day is a celebration of our mission, core values, traditions and our future, wrapped in philanthropy.