Ashland University’s Day of Giving is held annually in March and continues to provide opportunities for students. The event was designed to bring together those who love AU and wish to show their generosity.  

The 2026 Day of Giving was held on March 19 and lasted 36 hours. According to Ashland University, The Ashland University Board of Trustees, “collective generosity made a meaningful impact across campus.” The board raised $37,978 for the Psychological Science Accelerator program, $11,500 for the Ashland Fund and $8,100 for the Seminary.  

At the end of the campaign on March 20, a total of $266,451 was raised by 710 donors. Donors included alumni, trustees, students, parents, staff, faculty and friends of AU.  

The theme of this year’s campaign was, “Choose Ashland,” and a milestone was to have at least one donor from each U.S. state. This specific goal to, “Make U.S. Purple,” was not achieved.  

On the class leaderboard, the class of 2029 had the most donors and raised the most money, totaling $5,749. The rest of the leaderboard is as follows:  

• Class of 2026: 35 donors, $3,025 

• Class of 2028: 32 donors, $3,134 

• Class of 2027: 28 donors, $4,732 

• Class of 1978: 10 donors, $6,775 

• Class of 2022: 10 donors, $611 

• Class of 2025: 9 donors, $1,341 

• Class of 1983: 9 donors, $1,951 

• Class of 1981: 8 donors, $5,000 

• Class of 2019: 8 donors, $374 

This year’s senior class had the opportunity to reserve their philanthropy cord to wear at graduation by making a gift of $18.78 to any area of their choice. These contributions will go toward the senior gift of a new Tuffy costume, providing a refresh for AU’s beloved mascot. Out of all donor affiliations, the 2026 Senior Class accounted for 3% of the contributions. 

Other donor affiliations and their contributions include:  

• 5% Trustees 

• 30% Alumni 

• 7% Students  

• 15% Parents  

• 16% Faculty/Staff 

• 20% Friends  

Another category, the Designation Leaderboard, shows the organizations, departments and teams at AU that received the most funding during the Day of Giving. The Ashland Fund, The Area of Greatest Need, paved the way with 177 donors and raised $39,613. The top 25 on the leaderboard is as follows:  

• Women’s Soccer: 146 donors, $16,061  

• Eagle Spirit Club (Cheer/STUNT/Dance): 68 donors, $2,886 

• Gridiron Club (Football): 44 donors, $24,755 

• Clothing Closet: 34 donors, $11,010 

• Ashland Theological Seminary Fund: 22 donors, $17,225 

• Swimming and Diving: 17 donors, $1,515 

• Annual Student Scholarships: 15 donors, $2,075 

• Student Emergency Fund: 14 donors, $2,325 

• Phi Delta Theta – House Renovations: 13 donors, $2,850 

• College of Arts and Sciences: 10 donors, $375 

• Takedown Club (Wrestling): 10 donors, $875 

• College of Education: 9 donors, $575 

• Dugout Club (Softball): 8 donors, $1,450 

• AU Volleyball Giving Club (Volleyball): 8 donors, $525 

• College of Business and Economics: General Support: 7 donors, $975 

• Women’s Golf: 7 donors, $369 

• Study Abroad: 7 donors, $300 

• Military and Veterans/ Warrior Fund: 6 donors, $1,100 

• Ashland Center for Nonviolence CAN: 6 donors, $785 

• Men’s Soccer: 5 donors, $5,250 

• College of Business and Economics: Travel: 4 donors, $5,800 

• Fastbreak Club (Women’s Basketball): 4 donors, $250 

• The Provost Fund: 4 donors, $145 

• Diamond Club (Baseball): 4 donors, $2,625 

The Day of Giving campaign officially ended on March 20, but donations will still be accepted at Donation · Ashland University · GiveCampus.