McKendree University Celebrates Third-Annual Founders Week with Record-Breaking “One McKendree” Giving Day
(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 20, 2025) - McKendree University commemorated its 197th birthday with the third-annual Founders Week celebration, culminating in a remarkable One McKendree Giving Day. This day saw unprecedented success, with the McKendree community rallying together to raise more than $526,000 from 516 generous donors. This total surpassed last year’s record-breaking donations of $458,000. Additionally, these contributions supported 15 different funds and programs essential to advancing the university’s mission and empowering its students.
“This is my favorite time of the year, ever since we started this Giving Week three years ago,” said Stephen Kull, vice president for institutional advancement at McKendree University. “I continue to be motivated and encouraged by the generosity of our donors, especially as we come together to fund such critical needs. In particular this year, I was most excited about our senior class as we secured more senior class gifts than ever before on a giving day. Finally, I must thank our Board of Trustees and Alumni Board, who helped lead this with 100 percent participation across the board.”
In honor of the university’s founding year, the giving day lasted 1828 minutes, symbolizing McKendree’s enduring legacy since 1828. This year’s theme, “Your McKendree Love Story,” celebrated the connections and memories that have made McKendree a cherished part of so many lives. Throughout the week, activities that celebrated the power of giving and community engagement through fun and meaningful experiences took place, and several giving challenges were issued. The campus community learned about philanthropy, took part in a “Dollars for Donuts” event, and sang Happy Birthday to McKendree in Ames Dining Hall on Feb. 20, the day in which the university was founded. On Friday, the campus community gathered in the Piper Academic Center to write thank-you notes to their generous donors.
The success of the One McKendree Giving Day emphasizes the profound dedication and spirit of giving with the McKendree community, solidifying its reputation as a leader in higher education.
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