Thanks to generous Hokies, Giving Day breaks records

16 Feb 2023

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the location for the farthest gift received.

This year’s Giving Day shattered records thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of Hokies around the world. More than 16,000 Hokies participated, raising more than $9.6 million. The totals crushed last year’s numbers of 15,787 and $8.4 million.

For 24 hours, our community showed up big, giving to programs, departments, student organizations, teams, and more. The fun and games started at noon Feb. 15 and wrapped up at noon Feb. 16.

Students pose at the Giving Day watch party — Students enjoy the Giving Day basketball watch party at McComas Hall.

“Thank you to all the Hokies who stepped up and made a difference,” said Ann Bolton, director of annual giving. “It is thrilling what Hokie Nation can do together in 24 hours. The generosity of our community never surprises me, but it does inspire me. What we’ve been able to do together is nothing short of amazing. This giving is transformative for our university. It will be felt for decades to come and help countless future generations of Hokies.”

three women sitting a table smiling — Hokies celebrate at the D.C. Young Alumni Giving Day Party.

Because of generous gifts, our students will learn more, discoveries will be made, and teams will be even better equipped.

Advancement staff during Giving Day — Advancement staff monitors Giving Day at the division's command center.

Here’s a look at what Hokies accomplished together:

16,841: Number of Hokies who got in the game and made a gift on Giving Day.
$9.6 million: Dollar amount raised.
1,476: Number of ambassadors who shared their passion.
9,859: Number of gifts brought in by ambassadors.
$912,535: Dollars raised through ambassadors.
Australia: Location of our farthest gift.
38: Number of countries with participating Hokies.
50: Number of states with participating Hokies.
298: Number of students who rocked the Giving Day Scavenger Hunt.
210: Number of people who attended Giving Day parties in D.C. and Richmond
Pamplin College of Business: Winner of the Most Donors Leaderboard.
Pamplin College of Business: Winner of the Most Amount Raised Leaderboard.
Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology: Winner of the Beat Your Best Donors Leaderboard.