Annual Giving Day celebrates community, brings in $1.72M to support Lawrence Fund

Lawrence University’s 11th annual Giving Day once again spotlighted love and generosity across the Lawrence community. The day of giving to support the Lawrence Fund, held Oct. 22, brought in $1.72 million from 1,757 donors, providing support for current and future Lawrentians.

It marked an increase from $1.62 million in 2023.

The day-long event—online, in-person, and on social media—was a collaborative effort, with students joining with Lawrence faculty, staff, and alumni in a day of celebration.

Taylor Lang, associate director of annual giving, led an effort by the Office of Advancement that included outreach to alumni, parents, and friends around the world and on-campus activities that engaged students, faculty, and staff.

On-campus activities included students competing for prizes as they tossed balls with lacrosse sticks—a nod to men's and women's lacrosse debuting at Lawrence this year—and students, faculty, and staff writing messages of thanks on gratitude walls.

Amy Wilson, vice president of Advancement, called it a fantastic outpouring of support.

“It was my first Giving Day at Lawrence, and I was overwhelmed by the energy and generosity of our community,” she said.

Wilson said there was a record response from donors serving as Game Changers—providing matching funds that helped spur more gifts.

“So many people participated in this effort, from students, to staff and faculty, to the LUAA board members and other amazing alumni,” Wilson said. “It was a great day for Lawrence, and we are truly grateful.”

Kourtney Mercer, a senior biology major from Mazomanie, Wisconsin, was among the students participating in Giving Day.

"This event brings our community together to support the areas we love most about our college,” she said.

Giving Day again drew attention to the myriad ways financial contributions support Lawrence students through the Lawrence Fund, from campus improvements and classroom and research innovations to study-abroad opportunities and arts and athletics opportunities.

Nico Manzanera, a junior business & entrepreneurship major and member of the men's basketball team from Bogotá, Colombia, spent the day getting his fellow students hyped about the gratitude behind Giving Day.

“Giving Day to me, as a student, has always seemed like a great opportunity for me and my peers to thank the people who have been supporting our education and experience at Lawrence the most,” he said. “It isn't something you necessarily think of before coming to college, but during Giving Day you realize how much people’s help has impacted your experience here.”