Linfield University’s 10th annual giving day, One Wild Day, raised an impressive $739,778 from 652 donors, demonstrating strong momentum for the university’s philanthropic efforts and student support. This makes a new all-time high in dollars raised during the two-day event.
“The outpouring of generosity from the Linfield community continues to amaze me,” said Joseph Hunter, vice president for university advancement. “Even in uncertain economic times, Linfield’s supporters have shown the importance and value of higher education, and especially of the unique liberal arts experience students have at Linfield. The impact of these gifts will be deeply felt across the university.”
Making this year especially meaningful was the strong response from the Linfield community itself. More than 100 current students and 111 faculty and staff members contributed, making up nearly one-third of the total donor count.
“That kind of internal support is a powerful reflection of the culture we’ve built at Linfield,” said Ellen Braziel, director of annual giving. “To see so many of our students and employees giving back is something really special.”
The giving day also featured a $325,000 match from the Linfield Board of Trustees, amplifying the impact of every gift. Additional challenges focused on young alumni, women’s athletics and parent giving helped unlock even more support.
Funds raised during One Wild Day support a wide array of initiatives, including scholarships, academic programs, student wellness and athletic teams. These contributions play a vital role in enhancing the student experience across both the McMinnville and Portland campuses.
Over the last 10 years, Linfield’s giving days have raised more than $4.8 million in financial support for areas across the university. This has included:
- Operational support for the student-operated food pantries in McMinnville and Portland.
- The purchase of virtual reality technology to help train students in the School of Nursing.
- Scholarships benefitting first-generation students.
- Gifts to the COVID-19 Student Aid Fund in 2020, which provided extra assistance to students early in the pandemic.
- Beginning nursing equipment kits – valued at $200 each – to all incoming nursing students.
- Providing students with unique experiences, including paying for the housing and transportation for sport management students to volunteer at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
To learn about giving day or to join this legacy of giving, visit givingday.linfield.edu.
