BUIES CREEK - Campbell University celebrated a historic milestone on November 12, as 2,381 alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff united for Campbell Giving Day, setting an all-time record for total number of donors. Contributors helped raise over $1.2 million to support student scholarships, programs and the future of Campbell University, with additional gifts from donors still arriving by mail.

Supporters across the nation also made history by completing the Paint the Map Orange Challenge, with donors representing all 50 states for the first time in Campbell Giving Day history.

"I can't help but be encouraged and inspired by everything we witnessed during this year's frenzied 24 hours of fundraising," shared President William Downs. "This was my first Giving Day at Campbell, and Camel Nation did not disappoint. The people's passion for Campbell and their determination to ensure its continued success were on full display. All the elements of an effective one-day philanthropic campaign-fun, competition, authentic appeals-combined to secure a result that will have a positive and lasting impact on our students."

Participation remains at the heart of Campbell Giving Day, encouraging donors to support the school, team or program most meaningful to them. Gifts of all sizes contributed to this year's record-breaking success.

"Campbell Giving Day is an established tradition here at Campbell, and witnessing how every student, faculty, staff, alumni and friend of the university worked together to make this year's day of giving successful is inspiring," said Director of Annual Giving Chris Williams. "This community exceeded expectations and have raised the standard of what our university can achieve together."

Throughout the 24-hour period, friendly competition fueled momentum as donors rallied behind a series of Campbell Giving Day challenges. This year's winners include:

• First Downs First Hour Challenge (12:00-1:00 a.m.) - Campbell Women's Tennis, earning a $1,000 boost from President Downs for securing the most donors in the first hour
• President's Power Hour (6:00-7:00 a.m.) - Campbell Swim, earning a $1,000 gift from President Downs
• Orange Rush Hour - Campbell Divinity School, earning $1,000 courtesy of Tara Wilson ('89)
• 1887 Donor Challenge - Campbell Lacrosse, with 208 donors, the most of any school, unit or team, earning $1,887 toward student scholarships
• Count Downs Last Hour Challenge (11:00 p.m.-Midnight) - Campbell Volleyball, earning a $1,000 boost after raising the highest dollar amount in the final hour
• Paint the Map Orange Challenge - Virginia, secured the most donors outside of North Carolina with 127 donors, unlocking a $1,500 gift to the Fund for Campbell from Michael ('03) and Ida ('00) Pond.

In addition to the day's challenge winners, several generous matching gifts amplified donor impact across key programs:

• Double Your Impact - The Fund for Campbell - $50,000 matched
  Lifetime trustee Bob Whiteman and Barbara Whiteman matched every gift to the Fund for Campbell, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 (matching gifts up to $2,500 per donor).
• Divinity School Matching Gift Challenge - $7,000 matched
  A group of dedicated Divinity School supporters matched every gift to the Divinity School Annual Fund, doubling contributions up to $7,000.
• School of Engineering Match - $10,000 matched
  Mertek Solutions of Sanford, N.C. matched all gifts to the School of Engineering's annual fund, doubling contributions up to $10,000.
• Pharmacy Network Foundation - Community Pharmacy Lab Match - $125,000 matched
  The Pharmacy Network Foundation matched every $1 given to the new Community Pharmacy Lab with $2 - tripling donor gifts up to a total of $125,000.
• Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law Giving Day Matches - $35,000 unlocked
  Campbell Law alumni and supporters offered matching gifts unlocked at the $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 milestones, resulting in up to $35,000 in matched support for the Campbell Law School.
• Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law Alumni Association Class Reunion Challenge - $5,000 matched
  The Campbell Law Alumni Association sponsored a class competition for all alumni classes (1979-2025). The class with the highest number of individual donors earned a $5,000 gift from the Alumni Association in its honor.
• Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law Matching Support - $30,850 matched
  Several alumni and friends of the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law contributed matching gifts and challenge funds that were unlocked throughout the day, significantly increasing the impact of gifts to the law school.
• Fighting Camel Club Match - $25,000 matched
  Daniel Polk (BS '10) matched every gift to the Fighting Camel Club - dollar for dollar - up to $25,000.

These challenges and matches significantly contributed to the day's success, inspiring excitement, friendly competition and increased engagement across campus and throughout the country.

Student participation also played a significant role, with over 250 meal swipes donated through the Swipe Out Hunger initiative to help fellow classmates facing food insecurity.

Campbell faculty, staff, student workers and alumni volunteers helped maintain excitement throughout the day from early-morning kickoff communications to campus events and late-evening countdown pushes. Social media and email engagement across Campbell's platforms further amplified awareness and encouraged participation.

"Campbell Giving Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when this community comes together," said Interim Vice President for Advancement John Latteri. "We did this as one Campbell with alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends all moving forward behind a shared purpose. I'm grateful for every person who played a role in making this record-breaking day possible!"

The success of Campbell Giving Day ensures continued support for student scholarships, academic excellence, and opportunities that shape the Campbell experience. Campbell University extends its deepest gratitude to every Camel who gave, shared, encouraged, and celebrated this historic day.