Houghton University received over $1,562,000 in gifts from 2,017 supporters on its annual One Day Giving Challenge on April 16, 2021. Gifts will support student scholarships, capital projects, and academic and co-curricular student experiences.

“When I announced last fall that I would be retiring in May of 2021, I promised I would provide for a smooth and seamless ‘passing of the baton’ to the next president of Houghton University. The continued support, generosity, advocacy and prayers for God’s provision by our alumni and friends are key components of the successful ‘passing of the baton’ to the next runner in the relay race toward Houghton’s future,” stated President Shirley Mullen. “I am deeply and profoundly grateful for the groundswell of support that has developed through participation in the One Day Giving Challenge since its inception in 2014. I am confident of the tremendous impact the generosity of our alumni and friends will have on Houghton’s future.”

The success of the day was in part thanks to two giving challenges made possible by generous donors: a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge gift up to $290,000 for gifts to the Student Scholarship Fund, as well as an additional $380,000 available if Houghton reached a threshold of 1883 donors during the 24-hour period. Additionally, a class challenge encouraged alumni to compete for the most donors, with a prize of a $25,000 endowed scholarship in the winning class’s name. Houghton’s Class of 1977 came together with the most donors to add $25,000 to their class’s existing Nick Bohall Endowed Scholarship, which will perpetually provide student scholarships, with the possibility of growth through the years.

“The deeply generous nature of the Houghton faithful is both inspiring and humbling,” stated Karl Sisson, vice president for advancement and external engagement. “Gifts to current and endowed scholarships were integral in our ability to reset our tuition and become the best-priced Christian college in the nation, ensuring a Houghton education is visibly and transparently accessible and affordable for countless students who otherwise would not have such an incredible opportunity.”

A website and social media takeover highlighted the importance of the One Day Giving Challenge, which reaches the extended Houghton community and demonstrates the value of supporting students today and in the future. On-campus, outdoor activities involved students in both giving back and thanking the many supporters of the Student Scholarship Fund and other programs and projects on campus.

Houghton’s Student Scholarship Fund currently enables students from 31 states and 39 countries attend Houghton University.