It takes a generous and connected community to keep institutions like the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University vibrant and thriving.
And Bennie and Johnnie alumnae/i, parents, faculty, staff, students, friends and matching donors came through once more this year, pitching in to make the CSB and SJU experience possible for the next generation of students.
Both Give CSB Day (which took place Oct. 23) and Give SJU Day (which took place Nov. 20) were again record-breaking successes.
Give CSB Day saw a record 14.1% increase in dollars raised, bringing in a total of $669,640 – exceeding last year’s total of $597,268. Each contribution reflected the donor’s personal connection to the school, going to support current scholarships, student clubs and organizations, academic departments, campus initiatives and more.
Matching donors – whose generous dollar-for-dollar contributions amplified the power of every gift – were a key part of making the day a success and continuing to help make the CSB campus experience viable for a wide range of students.
“Our donors weren’t just making gifts; they were making statements about the future they want to help create,” said Maggie Weber Utsch ’00, CSB’s director of annual giving. “On Give CSB Day, every gift became an investment in the success and growth of our students. The impact of this generosity will be felt far beyond the boundaries of our campus. Thank you to everyone who made this day unforgettable. Your support empowers the next generation of leaders and strengthens the legacy of Saint Ben’s. Together, we are building a brighter, stronger future for our students.”
Meanwhile, Give SJU Day yielded a record-setting total of $1,113,613 – all of which will go to support Student Fund scholarships. That broke the record of $846,237 set last year and marked the first time the $1 million threshold has been crossed.
A total of 1,502 donors made such success possible, including a gift of $150,000 from an anonymous donor late in the day that helped push the final total over the $1 million mark.
Donations were received from all 50 states, unlocking a $10,000 gift from another anonymous benefactor.
Seventy matching gifts helped amplify donations. The Class of 1975 – who will celebrate their 50th reunion next summer – led the way with 54 total donors.
“To raise over $1 million was an extraordinary benchmark, and one we’ve never hit previously,” said Ted Kain ’12, SJU’s director of annual giving. “It once again speaks to the commitment, generosity and passion our alums, parents, faculty, staff and friends have for this special place.”
Give CSB Day and Give SJU Day mark the biggest giving days of the year when it comes to supporting the two schools. But gifts can always be made to Give Saint Ben’s and to the SJU Student Fund.