Newman University supporters rallied together to raise money during the 6th annual Giving Day Feb. 26 with competitions, matching challenges and one-of-a-kind game show and trivia events.
The 2025 Giving Day surpassed last year’s donor count by 36 donors, with gifts from 283 individuals. Thanks to $24,600 in pledges of matching donations, a grand total of $61,435 was raised for Newman University.
Director of Annual Giving Laura Hartley describes Giving Day as the ultimate community event.
“I look forward to Giving Day all year long because it is such a testament to the power of the Newman community,” Hartley said. “To see our supporters, alumni, staff, faculty and students come together for a common purpose brings joy to my heart and is one more indication of how special a place Newman really is.”
New challenges, same great day of giving
Each year, funds from Giving Day benefit several areas of campus: fine arts, Athletics, Metanoia, Student Affairs, the Newman Fund, and the five schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business & Technology, the School of Catholic Studies, the School of Education and Social Work and the School of Healthcare Professions.
A new component was added to the 2025 Giving Day: a student club Giving Day challenge. Out of the seven clubs that participated, the Multicultural Leadership Organization raised the most money while the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe had the most donors. Each club received a $500 prize for its fundraising efforts.
The Newman Gaming Club got into the spirit with its inaugural Giving Day Game Show Marathon, which was livestreamed on Newman’s YouTube channel. The event, organized and led by students, featured rounds of well-known games from T.V. shows like “Jeopardy,” “Family Feud,” “Chain Reaction” and “The Match Game.”
On Friday, Feb. 28, more than 150 individuals tested their knowledge during the Pop Culture Pandemonium Trivia Night. Students and volunteers of the Hispanic-American Leadership Organization served authentic Mexican food platters for guests who made an additional $50 donation. Local businesses Wizard’s Alley and The Chunky Poodle Cookie Co. also shared their support by donating games and baked goods as raffle prizes.
The first-place trivia team included two of Newman University’s employees, Melissa and Clark Castle, and four of their family members. Emcee and Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman also announced that junior Travia Smith won free on-campus housing for a semester.
Leveling up in student Giving Day engagement
When student leaders of the Newman Gaming Club were approached about hosting a game show for Giving Day, Deqlan Mitchell and his team were excited to rise to the challenge.
“For me, the best part of hosting the Game Show Marathon was seeing how many people were willing to volunteer and help our vision, (and) also the amount of people that came to watch and have fun with us,” Mitchell, a leader of the Campus Activities Board, said. “Newman University so far has been a space for me to create the college environment I want most, and I’ve adored the community here since.”
Mitchell and Gaming Club president Faith Crabb spent many hours working on the games in the campus Mac lab. He loved seeing many community members participate in the Game Show Marathon and Pop Culture Pandemonium Trivia Night.
“It only re-enforced my belief that Newman can be an exciting and fun place for all,” he said. “Attendance shows there are other people that buy into the same dream as well.”
A heartfelt “thank you“
Every giving challenge and match contributes to Newman University’s mission to empower its graduates to transform society for the better. The Newman community is grateful to every supporter who took the time to give, spread the word or participate in a unique Giving Day event.
“I can’t thank our donors enough for their generosity in supporting our current and future students,” Hartley added. “College isn’t easy, but with their help, we can lighten the financial burden. Our supporters should feel proud of the impact they’re making.”
Make a gift
Newman’s 2025 Giving Day may be over, but there’s still time to make a difference by making a gift to Newman’s greatest needs.
