The fourth annual Bryant Giving Day raised a record-breaking $1.46M in 24 hours on October 20, demonstrating how the Bryant community truly is Stronger Together.
That unifying theme rang out across campus, across the U.S., and around the globe as more than 2,500 donors from 47 states, and 22 countries came together for 24 hours, making 4,000 gifts, for an amount nearly 40 percent over last year’s total gifts. And it was a remarkable 294 percent more than 2018, the first annual Bryant Giving Day.
“Once again, the entire Bryant community has shown what we can do when we come together around a worthy cause,” said David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, Vice President of University Advancement. “Each year since 2018 when we began Bryant Giving Day, I’ve been thrilled by – and grateful for – the inextinguishable spirit and generosity of our donors. I’ve heard from so many devoted supporters about their own personal reasons for giving. Each story – and each gift – is special and important to making Bryant the extraordinary place it continues to be. I’m very proud to be a Bulldog!”
“It is inspiring to know that Bryant alumni, students, families, friends and supporters from around the world are so dedicated in their support of the University and the very special educational experience we provide here,” said University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The energy and enthusiasm of Bryant Giving Day was felt all over the campus and beyond – and that spirit is reflected in the results we were able to achieve, thanks to the generosity of everyone who contributed.”
The momentum of the day was evident across campus, with signs, posters, stickers and reminders visible nearly everywhere. A festively decorated Rotunda featured treats, from donuts and cider to hot dogs and tater tots to cookies and candied apples throughout the day. Several Bryant community members were featured in live-streamed discussions, speaking about the significance of Bryant Giving Day and the important programs it helps to support throughout the year. And performances from the Cheerleading Team, Pep Band and The Bottom Line a cappella group punctuated the day’s events. See those recorded streams at https://givingday.bryant.edu/info/livestream.
“The money raised on Bryant Giving Day is so critical to the Bryant student experience,” said Bryant Fund Director Nora Marzocchi. “Gifts from Bryant Giving Day will help fund scholarships, academic offerings, student life activities, women’s initiatives, athletic programs, and more – they’re all vital to the unique educational experience that is the hallmark of Bryant University.”
Among the many challenges for the day was the Class Challenge, in which Bryant’s currently enrolled classes competed for the most gifts. The leaderboard winner for gifts for student classes was the Class of 2023 with a total of 378.
See a full tally of results, leaderboards, view the social board and watch recorded streams from the day by visiting givingday.bryant.edu.
