There were 11,235 households that supported the Annual Fund during the Our Allegheny: Our Third Century Quest campaign with gifts totaling more than $26.7 million. More than half of the Annual Fund donors gave $100 or less, says Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Sara Pineo. “The Annual Fund harnesses the collective power of thousands, each giving what they are able, to provide the College with the flexibility and resources needed to strategically invest in every area of campus,” Pineo says.
“Gator Give Day has become an Allegheny Founders Day tradition,” says Pineo. “It has been humbling to watch this day of financial support turn into a proud celebration of all that makes Allegheny special and unique. It has breathed new life into the Annual Fund, as more than 5,400 individuals have participated, many every year, including over 80 years of Alleghenians — from the Class of 1942 to the Class of 2023, parents of current and past students, employees, and friends and neighbors in the Meadville community."
Our common bond as alums and as students is the full Allegheny experience. Francis “Ric” Rivette ’74
If I can help a little to take some financial load off a student, then I’m happy to do it. Judith La Manna Rivette
“Whether it’s $5 to support student-faculty research from a soon-to-be graduate or $5,000 to support student scholarships from someone celebrating their 50th reunion, each gift is an expression of confidence in Allegheny’s mission and care for the student experience.”
Adds Pineo: "With 40 percent of our alumni donors choosing Gator Give Day to make their annual contribution, it will continue to be critical to our efforts to inspire increased alumni participation, which will positively impact Allegheny’s national rankings.”
One of the much anticipated yearly fundraising innovations introduced during the campaign was Gator Give Day, which has been held annually in April since 2015 and has inspired thousands to participate. It’s developed into a clear example of the power of participation, as Gator Give Day donations, most $50 or less, have added up to nearly $2.5 million in total contributions over the years.
One of the major programs sponsored by the Annual Fund is the Annual Fund Grant program. The very first gift to support the Annual Fund Grant program was received in 2011. By 2020, more than 300 students had opened their financial award letters to find they had received one of the $5,000 personalized scholarships made possible through 5 the generosity of alumni and friends.
