UW’s 12th Annual Giving Day Invites Cowboys and Cowgirls to Make a Difference Oct. 21-22

A scholarship that opens doors. A research project that sparks a discovery. A student organization that brings people together. Across the University of Wyoming, philanthropy transforms possibilities into opportunities. This week, the UW community will have another opportunity to make a difference during the university’s 12th annual Giving Day.

Beginning at noon Wednesday, Oct. 21, and continuing through noon Thursday, Oct. 22, the 24-hour campaign will unite alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends and supporters in a shared commitment to strengthening UW and investing in its future.

This year’s theme, “It’s Giving,” celebrates the many ways generosity connects the UW community. Donors can direct their gifts to the people and programs that matter most to them, supporting everything from student scholarships and faculty excellence to academic programs, research, athletics and student-led initiatives.

“Giving Day is more than a 24-hour fundraising campaign,” says Kate Schlomer, the UW Foundation’s director of annual giving. “It’s an opportunity for the UW community to show its pride, celebrate the university’s impact and help create opportunities for future generations of Cowboys and Cowgirls. Gifts of all sizes contribute to a collective effort that reaches across campus and extends throughout Wyoming and beyond.”

Throughout the campaign, supporters can choose from 280 fundraising campaigns representing UW colleges, departments, programs and student organizations. More than $1 million in matching funds and challenge incentives will provide additional opportunities to amplify gifts, encourage participation and help campaigns reach their fundraising goals.

The UW Foundation Board and the McMurry Foundation once again will provide generous matching funds throughout the 24-hour event. Several new affinity challenges also will debut this year, including the Pokes Recruitin’ Pokes Challenge, the Wellness in the WEST Faculty and Staff Challenge, and the Poke Parent Challenge: Elevating Student Financial Wellness, provided by Blue Federal Credit Union.

Hourly challenges will offer additional opportunities for the UW community to participate and make an impact. Highlights include an alumni participation hour, an early-bird hour and a Poke Parent participation hour, each supported by generous donors.

“With each gift, donors can help shape the UW experience for students and support the faculty, research and programs that advance UW’s land-grant mission,” Schlomer says. “Giving Day brings these individual acts of generosity together to make a meaningful difference.”

UW alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to join the celebration, explore participating campaigns and support the causes closest to their hearts.

To learn more and participate, visit www.uwyo.edu/givingday.