March 25, 2025 — Marist University is gearing up for its second annual Day of Giving tomorrow, March 26, calling on Red Foxes everywhere to make history with 24 hours of generosity and community spirit.

After surpassing 2,800 donors last year, Marist is going even bigger, setting a bold goal of 4,000 donors to demonstrate the unstoppable strength and bold aspirations of the Red Fox community.

"Our goal is to inspire support from alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends, demonstrating the exponential power of giving," said Associate Vice President of Development at Marist Mike Byerley. "This is a day to leave your mark because every single gift, no matter the size, counts toward our goal. It’s a day to celebrate all that we can do when we rise together to provide transformative opportunities for our students."

What’s New This Year

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The first 2,000 donors who give $100 or more, receive an exclusive pair of Fox Socks. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Special Challenges and Incentives: Throughout the day, various giving challenges will unlock bonus funds for scholarships, student programs, and campus initiatives, including a special challenge from the Board of Trustees where every 1,000 donors can unlock funds for the Marist Fund until the 4,000 donor goal is met.

Find a Frankie: During the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. activity hour, 20 stuffed Frankies will be hidden across campus. Each one unlocks a $100 donation, sponsored by Marist staff, to the finder’s chosen donor area—scholarships, athletics, academics, or student life. And yes, finders get to keep their Frankie plush! Follow real-time clues on the 2025 Day of Giving campaign page. 

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During the activity hour, 20 stuffed Frankies will be hidden across campus. Each one unlocks a $100 donation! Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Engagement on Campus: The Marist community is invited to join the Day of Giving festivities with activities, giveaways, and social media moments across campus. Thank-you card stations will pop up at key locations, while celebrations in the Dyson Center from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. include photos with Frankie and President Weinman and a live Senior Formal ticket drawing. On-campus donors can also enter the Saxbys raffle and snag exclusive Day of Giving socks at MPorium in the Steel Plant – or its pop-up shop in the Dyson Center. The day wraps up with a Thanksgiving-themed dinner at the Dining Hall at 5 p.m.

Raise a Toast to Marist University!
Alumni, families, and friends are invited to join in a celebration of the Marist community and the impact we can have when we all Rise Together at various regional events. Learn more here.

The Power of Advocates
At the heart of this year’s effort are the Day of Giving advocates — volunteers who are spreading the word and encouraging others to join in. Their outreach creates a ripple effect that spreads Marist pride and generosity across the globe, multiplying the impact of every gift. By sharing stories, posting on social media, and connecting with fellow Red Foxes, advocates are helping to unlock even greater impact by inspiring others to make a gift.

“Every step of my Marist journey was made possible by the support I received,” said alumnus and advocate Joshua Polgrean ’20. “On the Day of Giving, your contribution can provide that same life-changing opportunity for current and future Red Foxes. It’s more than just a financial gift—it’s a chance to empower a student to dream bigger, work harder, and become the person they aspire to be. I am forever grateful for the philanthropic support that carried me, and I know that donor generosity will help create the same impact for Marist Red Foxes.”

Don't miss out on this epic celebration of generosity and school spirit, and remember to follow along here to watch progress, share messages of support, and be part of the Day of Giving excitement.

The final countdown is on. Let’s crush our goal of 4,000 donors in 24-hours on Wednesday, March 26, March 26, 2025!