The numbers told the story before the final tally was even announced. By the time Newman University’s 2026 Giving Day came to a close at the end of day on March 3, donors had contributed $87,609 — blowing past the institution’s $65,000 goal and eclipsing the previous record of $63,639 set in 2024 by nearly $23,000.
Powered by $39,000 in matching gifts, 240 unique donors and a coordinated, campus-wide effort seven years in the making, Newman’s best Giving Day reflected something larger than a fundraising milestone.
“We are so grateful for all who stepped up and supported Newman’s best Giving Day yet,” said Bob Beumer, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “We, and more importantly the students, cannot thank you enough. Your support helps grow our programs and lessen the burden on our students.”
A president’s commitment
Newman University President Kathleen Jagger made her own gift on Giving Day — and said it was rooted in conviction.
“Giving to Newman on Giving Day is a symbol of my commitment and my confidence in this university and its future,” Jagger said. “I believe in our mission. I am inspired watching our students study, create and push themselves to grow — and I believe deeply in the faculty and staff who walk alongside them on that journey.”
For Jagger, giving publicly also carries an intentional message of leadership.
“I want to give because it is important for a president to lead by example,” she said. “And I like to give as a catalyst — providing a gift as a match allows me to be a multiplier of the gifts that other people contributed.”
A bolder strategy
The record-setting result didn’t happen by accident. Laura Hartley, director of Advancement Services and Annual Giving and the lead architect of Newman’s Giving Day since its inception, said 2026 marked a deliberate evolution in approach.
“We really tried to champion each area to take ownership of raising money for their department,” Hartley said. “I also think we upped our marketing game — sending out 14,000 postcards, hundreds of letters, working with churches to have it announced in their bulletins and placing an ad in the Catholic Advance.”
The Advancement Office also significantly increased its matching gift offerings, a move Hartley said proved transformative. With $39,000 in matches available, the team could tell potential donors that their contributions would almost certainly be doubled.
“By increasing our matching gifts, we were able to really market to donors that when they give on Giving Day, more than likely their gift will be matched,” she said.
After every Giving Day, my main emotion is always gratitude.
– Laura Hartley
More than an online effort
Even though Giving Day lives primarily online, Hartley is quick to point out that it functions like any major event — with dozens of interlocking pieces that must work in concert.
“It takes a very dedicated group of individuals making sure every aspect is running smoothly,” she said. “From Abbi Spelts scheduling and organizing the student booth, to Jack Schafer keeping our social media up to date throughout the day, to James Sanny and Dan Murphy covering the event via video and photos — to Bryn Kovacic, Sam Hersh, Dana Beitey and Beumer personally contacting alumni and supporters to encourage them to give. All these pieces have to work seamlessly, and I think this year we did a fantastic job as a team.”
The full Giving Day committee included Spelts, Schafer, Sanny, Mick Cayless, Kyrstin Gable, Beitey, Kovacic, Hersh, Beumer, Sarah Lugo, Amanda Wills, Ian Lecki, Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman and Zach Brake. The campus community also pitched in — Staff Assembly handed out treats throughout the day, and students competed in fundraising challenges.
“This day is also about celebrating Newman University,” Hartley said. “Everyone really pitching in to make it a success.”
New faces, renewed trust
Among the results that stood out most to Hartley was the number of first-time donors and those returning after a long absence.
“It is always exciting to see a new donor, or someone who hasn’t given in a long time, make the generous choice to give to Newman,” she said. “I think it shows that what we have always done here is special. It is my hope that those new donors saw something on social media or in one of our emails that reminded them of that.”
Beumer echoed the sentiment, calling the new donor participation a source of particular pride.
“We are excited to see a number of first-time donors and many who have not supported Newman financially in a number of years,” Beumer said. “Their support and trust reaffirms that they believe in our mission to empower students to transform society in their own way. We strive toward that goal every day.”
From one computer to a campus movement
Giving Day 2026 marked the seventh year of the event — and it looks almost nothing like its first edition.
“The first year, it was me at a computer sending out a couple of emails,” Hartley said. “Now it has community events like trivia night, student fundraising competitions, Staff Assembly handing out treats throughout the day, and everyone really pitching in to make it a success. It has evolved by leaps and bounds.”
Donations raised during Giving Day are distributed to each participating area, directing funds directly to the programs and departments donors designated in their gifts.
Looking ahead to 2027
When asked to reflect on what Giving Day 2026 ultimately meant, Hartley came back to a single word.
“After every Giving Day, my main emotion is always gratitude,” she said. “The kindness and generosity shown throughout the day by all our donors is overwhelming. They love this university so much, and that inspires me and just reaffirms what I already know — that Newman is a special place.”
And she’s already thinking about 2027.
“My initial thought is: How can we make it bigger? How can we get more people involved?” Hartley said. “And that doesn’t just include giving. This day is also about celebrating Newman University, so what can we do in 2027 to up the ante on that celebration?”
Newman University Giving
Alumni, parents and friends give generously every year because their gifts directly help us nurture compassionate leaders who will shape a better world.
