EKU Celebrates Unprecedented Success on Fifth Annual Giving Day

Published on May 21, 2024

By Evan Bentley

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated its fifth annual Giving Day on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This year, donors from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico contributed. With this widespread support, EKU surpassed its goal of 2,324 donors, reaching 2,477 donors and raising over $720,000. This was the most funds raised during a single Giving Day since the annual tradition began in 2019. 

“The generous gifts from this year’s Giving Day allow us to ensure we remain the School of Opportunity. Increasing access to higher education and remaining affordable are top of mind at EKU,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “These funds will directly support both our current and future Colonels as they pursue their degrees. It's amazing to witness our EKU family coming together each year in support of our mission.”

Alumni, faculty, staff and students joined together to make this year’s success possible. Erin Murphy, ’20, said, “I gave because when I attended EKU, I was awarded a scholarship which helped me greatly with all four years of my undergraduate experience. It took a great burden off of my shoulders, and I hope to help provide that same opportunity for other students!”

Of the $720,303 raised on Giving Day, $433,000 was allocated to scholarships, with the remaining funds supporting programs across campus. These contributions will offer more students access to the life-changing experience of higher education.

Here are some highlights from the 2024 Giving Day:

  • College of Health Sciences received the most gifts among the six colleges

  • Football had the highest number of donors among athletics teams

  • Athletics saw the highest number of donors among affinity groups

  • Chi Omega led Greek organizations in donor contributions

  • The Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE) received the most donors among funds

“We extend our gratitude to those who come alongside us through their financial support each year to pay it forward and help ease the financial burden of higher education for our students,” said McFaddin. “Such generosity reflects the dedication to excellence that EKU inspires in our alumni and friends.”

For more information about the 2024 Giving Day, please visit go.eku.edu/givingday.