Founders Week Celebration
Celebrating Your McKendree Love Story
February 17 - 21, 2025
McKendree University will celebrate its 197th anniversary during Founders Week, February 17-21, 2025, honoring nearly two centuries of rich history, community, and philanthropy. Throughout the week, Bearcats past and present will come together to reflect on McKendree’s enduring legacy and celebrate the generous spirit that keeps the university thriving.
The week’s activities celebrate the power of giving and community engagement through fun and meaningful experiences. Highlights include a day dedicated to honoring McKendree’s rich philanthropic history and educating the campus community about donor impact, a Dollars for Donuts event to inspire students to join the movement of giving, the beloved tradition of singing Happy Birthday to McKendree in
Ames Dining Hall, and #PurpleFriday, where students, alumni, and friends will come together for a group photo to showcase their Bearcat pride. The day will also feature thank-you postcard and video stations, providing an
opportunity to express gratitude to those who gave back throughout the week.
At the heart of Founders Week is the third annual One McKendree Giving Day, held from 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, February 19 to 6:28 p.m. (CT) on
Thursday, February 20—a special 1828-minute giving campaign symbolic of McKendree’s founding year, 1828.
This year’s theme, “Your McKendree Love Story,” celebrates the connections and memories that make McKendree a cherished part of so
many lives. Whether it’s the love you discovered for your passion, your purpose, or
your lifelong partner, McKendree has been at the center of countless stories that
stand the test of time.
Join the McKendree Movement
One McKendree Giving Day is more than a giving day—it’s a celebration of the connections
that shape our community. Reflect on your journey, revisit the moments that inspired
your path, and help carry McKendree’s mission forward.
📌 Make your early gift today!
(Be sure to check the box "I'm making my One McKendree Giving Day gift early!")
Honor Your McKendree Love Story
Maybe it’s a McKendree sweetheart, a professor who sparked your calling, or a love
for the university’s enduring mission. Show your McKendree love with a gift that ensures
future generations can experience the same transformative moments.
📌 Share your McKendree Love Story to be featured on social media!
Together, we’ll honor the past, embrace the present, and build a thriving future for McKendree University. Let’s celebrate Your McKendree Love Story and ensure the McKendree experience lives on for decades to come!
One McKendree Giving Day 2024
Here's how we did!
Thank you to all who participated and gave back during the 2nd annual One McKendree
Giving Day during Founders Week! The McKendree community rallied together, achieving unprecedented success by raising
$458,001.60 from 422 generous donors, tripling last year's record. These contributions
supported 15 different funds and programs crucial to advancing the university’s mission.
The 1828-minute giving day symbolized McKendree's enduring legacy since 1828. Themed
"McKendree Heroes: Honoring Those Who Make an Impact," the celebration showcased 114
individuals on a shout-out wall, including faculty, alumni, and volunteers. Scott
Billhartz, a 1985 graduate, emerged as the most celebrated McKendree Hero, exemplifying
the university's values. The success of the giving day underscores the profound dedication
and spirit of giving within the McKendree community, solidifying its reputation as
a higher education leader.
Questions?
For additional information, please contact the Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations at annual_fund@mckendree.edu or (618) 537-6824.
