I wouldn’t necessarily say that the air is out of the balloon, because Valpo did exceed the goal that was set, and some departments had a high number of donors. Also, I’ve seen more excitement surrounding the university in various groups than I have in a long time. For example, some athletic teams had well over 100 donors. However, I do agree that sharing the total amount fundraised added transparency and generated more excitement in the community. One thing we are not considering is that a high number of donation matches, challenges, and incentives can make it difficult to determine the total amount donated instantly. Last year, several departments, including athletics, released total numbers well after Valpo Day. Last year’s methods were also more engaging for those participating. I also wish that we had more advance notice of some of these challenges.
This was sent out today
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Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our Valpo community, Valpo Day 2026 has raised $1,070,858.59 and counting. We are still collecting gifts, and every dollar is a testament to what it means to be part of the Valparaiso University family.
In just 24 hours, you rallied together to raise $228,013.21. That kind of momentum doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of you.
Here's a glimpse of the community that made this day remarkable: 1,081 donors united this Valpo Day, including 328 donors who gave for the very first time. Welcome to the tradition. 56 student donors reminded us that the Valpo spirit of generosity starts long before graduation. Gifts poured in from 9 countries and 41 states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico — from Indiana and Illinois, to Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, and far beyond.
From across the country and around the world, Valpo alumni, students, parents, and friends showed up and participated in making this day successful!
From athletics:
The department raised over $285,000 in donations and pledges to support Valpo student athletes, a 26 percent increase from the previous year. This marked the third consecutive Valpo Day that has seen an increase in dollars raised for athletics. Well over 600 individuals and households gave to Valpo Athletics on the day.
Did a little digging. The total giving this year of $1070859, was not a record. That was done two years ago in 2024 at $1180365. I think that was in part the fact that one donor gave a lead gift of $250000 that year. As for athletics, I think it was a new record at $285000. That is up from last year's $227000.
Did a little digging. The total giving this year of $1070859, was not a record. That was done two years ago in 2024 at $1180365. I think that was in part the fact that one donor gave a lead gift of $250000 that year. As for athletics, I think it was a new record at $285000. That is up from last year's $227000.
VU has turned out plenty of graduates who have been successful in their careers and accumulated a nice bit of wealth. From that base of alumni/ae needs to come more generous giving. Some of the 100s need to turn into 1000s, and some of the 1000s need to add another zero or two. This base also needs to arrange more planned gifts.