March 9, 2023
Contact: Eric Stann, 573-882-3346, StannE@missouri.edu
University of Missouri Advancement officials announced today that 2,682 gifts were donated during the sixth Mizzou Giving Day, raising a total of $5,036,246. Mizzou Giving Day, which was celebrated from noon Wednesday, March 8, through noon Thursday, March 9, is the university’s campaign to inspire individuals and groups to support MU through giving, challenges and matching gift opportunities.
“We had another tremendous Mizzou Giving Day this year with Tigers around the world supporting what they love most about Mizzou. Whether it’s supporting student success programs, our world-class research, or impactful programs and services, our donors showed their passion,” said Jackie Lewis, vice chancellor for advancement. “No matter the size of gift, each and every donor who contributed is making a difference for our students and their success. Thank you to everyone who answered the call.”
This year’s campaign featured competitions and matching gift opportunities to inspire giving. More than 150 Mizzou Giving Day Ambassadors competed for spots on the leaderboard as their friends and family gave to MU funds. Kim Voss, BS Ed ’87, M Ed ’91, pulled ahead as 2023’s top social media ambassador, soliciting 65 gifts on behalf of the university and the Franklin County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association. These fueled the MAA Scholarship Challenge as the top three chapters with the most gifts unlocked an additional $1,000 for their scholarship fund. Two chapters tied for first place: the Rocky Mountain Tigers in Denver, Co. and the Great River Tigers in the Hannibal/Quincy area.
Social media elevated engagement with Mizzou followers through challenges on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For the MU Libraries social media challenge, they asked followers to modify a famous book title to reflect a Mizzou theme. Favorites include “Tiger Pride and Prejudice” and “Border War and Peace,” which was the winning entry submitted. The winner will select a fund of their choice for a bonus $500 gift.
Donors stepped up to create 15 matches and challenges to energize others to support key areas across Mizzou such as the Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence, College of Engineering student organizations, the Physical Therapy Department in the School of Health Professions, Marching Mizzou, Rally Mizzou, Heartland Scholars and the Vasey Academy, among others.
Donors also shared their reasons for Tiger pride, as well as stories influencing their decision to give. Karen and Dave Toigo recognized their four children, all Mizzou graduates, as their inspiration for a gift to the Tiger Scholarship Fund.
Brendon Steenbergen and Mary Amanda Haskins, the parents of twin boys born at MU Health Care’s Children’s Hospital, gave in honor of the NICU staff who are caring for them. Their gift will support the construction of the new Children’s Hospital.
“We are extremely grateful for every Tiger who was able to donate to this year’s Mizzou Giving Day,” said Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri. “Their generosity supports our students and researchers in achieving their dreams of transforming our society and world for the better. We are so very fortunate to have the strong support from alumni, friends, faculty and staff. The donations received today will go far in setting a strong foundation to support the university’s missions of educating our future leaders and making new discoveries that will change Missourians lives for the better.”
