Houghton University received more than $1,000,000 in gifts from nearly 2,200 supporters on its annual One Day Giving Challenge on April 20, 2018. Gifts totaling $1,023,094 will support student scholarships, capital projects, and academic and co-curricular student experiences.

“The One Day Giving Challenge is a great testimony to the timeless mission and impact of a Houghton education,” remarks Houghton University President Shirley A. Mullen. “While it is facilitated by recent technological innovation, it would not be possible without the natural desire of alumni and friends of all ages to give back to the college that prepared them for a lifetime of vocational effectiveness, personal flourishing, and joyful service to others. It is a reminder once again of the privilege of being part of a vibrant Houghton community that extends around the globe.”

The success of the day was in part thanks to two giving challenges: a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge gift up to $245,000 for gifts to the Student Scholarship Fund, as well as an additional $200,000 available if Houghton reached a threshold of 1883 donors during the 24-hour period. Additionally, new class challenges encouraged alumni to compete for the most donors, with a prize of a $25,000 endowed scholarship in the winning class’s name. As a result, The Class of 2014 Endowed Scholarship was created and will perpetually provide student scholarships, with the possibility of growth through the years.

“Reflecting upon the success of the One Day Giving Challenge, I’m overwhelmed and humbled at the commitment and generosity of the Houghton faithful,” stated Karl Sisson, vice president for advancement and external relations. “Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of alumni, students, faculty, parents, and friends, Houghton exceeded every possible aspirational goal we envisioned for this day. The sacrificial support was inspirational to our community and gives us all great hope for the future of Houghton University.”

A social media and website takeover highlighted the importance of the One Day Giving Challenge, which reaches the extended Houghton community and demonstrates the value of supporting Houghton students today and in the future. Students shared their intended career plans via social media and demonstrated the direct impact of donations. The Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, and Metz food service inspired the campus community through special events, including a ‘giving central station’ in the college campus center.

The total $1,023,094 donated on the day count toward Houghton’s comprehensive campaign, “IMPACT: The Campaign for Greater Houghton,” and allowed the campaign to cross the $50,000,000 mark. IMPACT is a $70,000,000 campaign focused on increasing access and affordability through student scholarships; strategic capital projects, including the renovation of the Paine Center for Science; and investment in academic and co-curricular experiences such as first-year honors programs and Houghton University’s extension sites in Buffalo and Utica.

Houghton’s Student Scholarship Fund currently enables students from 34 states and 37 countries attend Houghton University, where 99 percent of students receive financial aid.