PFW's Inaugural Day of Giving Raises More Than $275,000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Purdue University Fort Wayne officials are calling Wednesday’s first-ever 24-hour Day of Giving a successful venture, raising more than $275,000 from nearly 250 individual gifts.

Chancellor Ronald L. Elsenbaumer says he is not surprised.

“The people of Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana have always shown a great deal of support for the university,” he says. “They understand the value of a college degree and the importance of a thriving institution of higher education. Our community’s generosity will help many students—both current and future—attain their dreams of getting a college degree.”

Nearly all of the funds pledged are designated to be used in supporting scholarships or academic programs.

“I am so thankful to all the people who gave us gifts during the 24-hour giving period,” says Vice Chancellor for Development Ruth Stone. “Whether you give five, 50, 100, or even 50-thousand dollars, all giving helps support our students. With our total this year, we now have a new goal for our second annual Day of Giving next year!”

The Day of Giving got off to a great start when Chancellor Elsenbaumer announced the completion of a separate campaign, the “Chapman Challenge,” which raised $875,000 for the establishment and funding of 35 endowed scholarships. Howard and Betsy Chapman, who have generously supported the university for many years, started the challenge a little over a year ago, pledging to match funding from other donors.

Donors can choose how they want to support the university and its students from several dozen scholarships, academic platform endowments, and other programs.

While the Day of Giving has concluded, gifts to the university are always welcome at  pfw.edu/giving.       

For more information about giving, contact the Office of Development at 260-481-6962 or [email protected]. 

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