Colby-Sawyer College raised more than $340,000 during its third annual Day of Giving on Thursday to support student scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, athletic programs and faculty initiatives.

The college far surpassed its goal of 900 donors during the 24-hour event, with 1,314 individuals – almost as many donors as the first two Day of Giving events combined – making financial contributions to the Colby-Sawyer Fund. Donors consisted of current students, alumni, faculty, staff, families and members of the Board of Trustees, as well as longtime friends and supporters of the college.

“We are extremely grateful to the 1,314 individuals who helped make yesterday’s Day of Giving a record success,” Colby-Sawyer President Susan D. Stuebner said. “Their support helps impact the student experience in a variety of ways and helps us maintain a high-quality educational experience. I thank all of the donors for their engagement and support of the college and for truly making a difference in the lives of our students.”

Milestones met throughout the day unlocked $110,000 in challenge gifts that eventually brought the day’s final total of money raised to $340,122. These gifts – $5,000 from Dave and Ellie Cochran ’71 for a challenge to the Class of 1971, $20,000 from Robin Mead ’72 at 450 donors, $35,000 from Sally Shaw Veitch at 750 donors and $50,000 from William and Sonja Carlson Davidow ’56 at 900 donors – helped inspire first-time donors to support the college and were celebrated in real time on social media.

The celebration was evident on campus as well as seasonally warm weather and vendors distributing popcorn, cupcakes and Italian soda in recognition of the day’s events resulted in a lively atmosphere on the quad.

“We are incredibly grateful to those who chose to support Colby-Sawyer during our Day of Giving,” Vice President for College Advancement Daniel Parish said. “Colby-Sawyer relies on the generosity of donors to support critical areas of need and to create unique learning opportunities for our students. Gifts of any size shows pride in the college and demonstrate the special connection that students, alumni, faculty, staff, family members and friends have with the college.”

Thursday’s Day of Giving comes in the midst of a record fundraising year in which the college has raised nearly $20 million. To learn more about how to support Colby-Sawyer College, visit colby-sawyer.edu/giving or email giving@colby-sawyer.edu.