March 14, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
The University of Missouri celebrated the success of Mizzou Giving Day 2025, the institution’s signature 24-hour fundraiser supporting programs across the university. This year, donors contributed 2,366 gifts – surpassing last year’s number – and raised $5,401,604 to advance the mission of the world-class research university.
Donors rallied from noon on March 12 to noon on March 13 to support Mizzou’s strategic priorities. Supporters from 45 states as well as Canada and Singapore united for the cause.
“Thank you to the many dedicated Tigers who contributed to Mizzou Giving Day,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Your incredible generosity fuels student success, drives innovation and powers our ability to make a difference through education, research and meaningful engagement. Together, we are building a stronger future for Missouri and beyond.”
Gifts provided essential support for a wide range of initiatives – from student scholarships and graduate student research to Extension programs and Mizzou Athletics. Notably, 32 colleges and units participated in the event, marking the highest engagement in the annual effort’s eight-year history.
“Building on another year of impact, Mizzou Giving Day is a powerful reminder of what alumni and donors achieve for the University of Missouri when we act together,” said Chris Smith, interim vice chancellor for advancement. “Every gift demonstrates the power of philanthropy and empowers us to transform lives, push boundaries and make a lasting impact on students, the state and society.”
Adding to the day’s successes, donors launched 25 challenge opportunities, more than double last year’s total and the highest number for Mizzou Giving Day, providing ways to encourage donations and foster a spirit of collective achievement.
Mizzou Alumni Association chapters competed to receive additional scholarship funds. With 155 donors, the Music City Tigers of Nashville earned the top spot followed by Great River Tigers of Hannibal, Missouri, and Quincy, Illinois, with 139 donors and the Boone County Chapter in Missouri with 121 donors. All three chapters received additional $1,000 contributions to their scholarship funds.
Enthusiasm for Giving Day surged across social media with a challenge on Facebook that ignited Tiger pride. A photo album featured images representing each participating area of campus, giving Tigers the power to rally behind their favorites. Marching Mizzou proved victorious, with 268 votes, receiving $1,500 in matching funds. The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment received 137 votes and an additional $1,000 gift, and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources rounded up the top three with 109 votes and a $500 award.
In addition, volunteers from the Mizzou Giving Day ambassador program raised funds from their friends, family and social networks. This year’s top ambassador was Derrek Hardy, BS ’21, with 136 donors. Kim Voss, BS Ed ’87, came in second with 79 donors and Chad Bruto finished in third place with 55 donors.
