A one day event held exclusively online, the Ashland University Day of Giving took place on March 17, raising over $25,000 for the university.

Students, faculty and friends of the university were able to show their Eagle pride by donating money to the university, much of which was designated to a specific area on campus.

“The Ashland University Day of Giving is an attempt to bring all of the institution together and constituencies together to support the university,” said AU President Carlos Campo. “And also to add a little bit of a twist, so the Day of Giving not only allowed you to give but also to vote, so you can give and cast a vote to basically take some additional dollars that were set aside and commit them to a particular area.”

Areas in which money was given could have been as specific as a particular major or program, or even as broad as Greek Life or Athletics. Wherever money was given, it was certainly felt and acknowledged by those in administrative positions.

“There were a number of areas where people could direct their votes,” said Campo. “We saw the AU Swim and Dive team be one particular area that was focused upon. Others focused upon Greek Life, some folks focused upon the annual fund. There were a number of areas where folks could really plug into something they were really interested in.”

In addition to the interactive vote from donors, several areas on campus participated in various challenges, some even being awarded for the overwhelming response that was received via social media.

According to the university, over 100,000 people were reached via social media, making way for more than 150 donors, 22 of which gave for the first time.

The Athletic Department won the AU Pride challenge, winning $5,000 for the department.

“I think what this does is, and this is what I’ve liked about the whole day of giving atmosphere, is it creates excitement on campus,” said AU Athletic Director Al King. “It’s a one day thing. We are doing everything we can to help Ashland University and I think that’s what this does.”

Much of the money raised was given to the Ashland Fund. Donors giving to the Ashland Fund support three basic aspects of university life, including Z scholarships and student life, academic programs, and operations. The Ashland Fund helps provide scholarships to 98% of undergraduate students. Many of the funds given to the Ashland Fund help maintain amenities in classrooms, dorms, and other various areas on-campus.