Bryant Giving Day unites community, shatters records
In a year like no other, the third annual Bryant Giving Day on October 28 was a historic success, bringing together the entire Bryant community and raising more than $1 million for essential programs and initiatives. Bulldogs everywhere — more than 2,300 alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends — came together on one day, as one community in support of Bryant students, making a record number of 2,712 gifts, from 42 U.S. states and territories, and 17 countries around the world.
On Giving Day, contributions supported more than 90 areas of the University, with more than $575,000 earned through 25 challenge opportunities for Academics, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Athletics, and many more programs. Additionally, 390 donors directed their gift to the new Be Bryant Strong Fund, raising nearly $106,000 for the initiative that has been a critical part of Bryant’s fall reopening plan to ensure that the campus community remains safe and healthy.
“One of Bryant’s strengths is its spirit of generosity, and the way that we are committed to taking care of one another,” said Bryant Trustee and National Alumni Council President Rita Williams-Bogar ’76. “Bryant Giving Day showed the world what a determined and compassionate community could do together.”
Bryant families, Parents Council rally support
More than 600 Bryant families made contributions on Giving Day, totaling $125,985 and unlocking the $50,000 Bryant Parents Council Challenge provided by Council Chairs Carolyn and Carl Bennett P’21 and additional Council members. “We are so grateful to Bryant and so proud to be part of such a historic day for the Bryant community,” said Carolyn.
Late professor Lookman “Buky” Folami’s memory inspires community
Last February, Bryant lost beloved Professor of Accounting Lookman “Buky” Folami, Ph.D. Later that spring, several community members formed “Team Buky” in his memory and participated in the #WeAreBryant Virtual 5K, raising critical dollars for the COVID-19 Fund. On Giving Day, his memory inspired the creation of the Professor Lookman “Buky” Folami Partners in Scholarship Fund, raising nearly $5,000 and unlocking a $500 challenge with the final gift of the day, from a student making his senior class gift.
Patricia Gomez, Senior Lecturer of Modern Languages, helped organize the effort with other faculty members. “Buky gave us all so much,” she said, “and I am happy that his memory will continue to inspire our community and support students at Bryant.”
Black & Gold Athletics brings competitive spirit to campus community
Bryant supporters showed their loyalty, Bulldog pride, and competitive spirit on Bryant Giving Day, making more than 1,000 contributions and raising more than $425,000 in gifts and challenges. The Black & Gold were well represented on the leaderboard, with 15 of the 25 top fund designations held by Bulldog varsity sports teams, unlocking 13 sport-specific donor challenges and grants.
“I am so proud of the way our alumni, families, and friends stepped up and showed their dedication to our teams on Bryant Giving Day,” said Bryant Director of Athletics Bill Smith. “During these unprecedented times, their energy and generosity helped inspire a record-breaking day and prepared our teams to train in a safe and healthy environment as we prepare for competition this spring.”
President’s Cup golfers boost Bryant Giving Day success
Despite the cancellation of the President’s Cup Golf Tournament in June, nearly 20 committee members and participants stepped up to contribute $43,700 in support of the President’s Scholarship Fund. Committee Chair David Olney ’82 matched all gifts up to $20,000 with a personal contribution.
“I hope we can celebrate Bryant together on the golf course in 2021, but in the meantime, I am glad we could help make Giving Day a tremendous success,” he remarked.
Raymond W. Fogarty ’79, P’14, P’17 remembered through scholarship challenge
More than 100 alumni, friends, and colleagues made contributions on Giving Day in support of the Raymond W. Fogarty ’79 International Business Memorial Scholarship, named for the late 35-year executive director of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business who died in September 2018.
Bryant alumnus Eric Handa ’97 contributed $35,000 to the Fogarty Scholarship Challenge, which inspired an additional $62,000 for international business student aid. “Ray was a friend and mentor to so many and a longtime champion for Bryant,” said Mark S. Murphy, Director of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business. “It is fitting that we honor his legacy this way on a day when our entire community comes together as one.”
Game-changers and advocates drive historic success
Throughout the day, donors shared messages and encouragement on social media channels. More than 220 Giving Day Advocates helped promote the event and raised $55,000 with their efforts. Challenge gifts had a powerful impact on the day, with the Midnight Match, Puishys Match, and Hourly Challenges unlocking $250,000. Special thanks are due to the generous Bryant Game Changers: Board of Trustees Chairman David ’85 & Terry Beirne, Michael ’67 & Karen Fisher, Bryant Trustee Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) Puishys ’81, and additional anonymous donors. They created an atmosphere of excitement, competition, and unprecedented participation.
“It was humbling to see the power of our community on Bryant Giving Day,” said David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, Vice President for University Advancement. “One million dollars is a stunning accomplishment. Together, despite unprecedented challenges, we are building a culture of philanthropy at Bryant that will sustain and support this extraordinary institution. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog.”
