DU Community Makes a Difference During 1Day4DU

As our community continues to bounce back from the human and economic impacts of the past year, the University of Denver global network of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, families and friends united on Wednesday, May 19, to show their support for the University during 1Day4DU. 3,436 donors contributed $1,000,375 to mission-critical priorities during DU’s seventh annual day of giving.

“It’s always incredible to watch how the entire University of Denver community comes together in support of our students,” says Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “All of the 1Day4DU projects support the University’s mission and vision and will ultimately have a tremendous impact on our students’ educational experience.”

Responding to the 1Day4DU campaign, DU community members from nearly every U.S. state and many different countries gave online to a lineup of 38 crowdfunding projects, including student scholarships, the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), multiple internship funds, and student organizations. Both the number of donors and total dollars donated surpassed last year’s numbers and the goals established for this year.

This year’s funding opportunities featured more than a dozen new projects with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Many of these programs had strong support from donors — including the Learning Effectiveness Program, Black Women LEAD, DU PRIDE, E-STEM and Clothing Account for Students in Hospitality — more than doubling their goal for the day of giving. The Native American Student Support Fund had its best 1Day4DU ever, with more than 100 donors giving almost $15,000.

Recognizing the continued hardships that many DU students are facing because of the global pandemic, both the SAF and Denver Law Fund more than doubled their goals and together received over $50,000 from more than 250 donors. The SAF was launched by DU students several years ago to help keep their peers on track for academic success by providing emergency funding to address unforeseen financial hardships. The Denver Law Fund, which raised funds three times its 1Day4DU goal, also addresses financial hardships experienced by law students and helps students who need funding for externships and costs associated with professional licensure.

“This 1Day4DU demonstrated the tremendous power of community as so many of our alumni and friends came together to support the priorities of the University,” said Valerie Otten, senior vice chancellor for Advancement. “Their generosity will have a significant impact on the lives of our students and underscores our mission to serve the public good.”

Although the annual 1Day4DU is over, you can still make a gift to help any of the programs and support University of Denver students. You can click here for more information about making a gift.