Houghton University received a record-breaking $1,178,115 in gifts from 2,368 supporters on its annual One Day Giving Challenge on April 17, 2020. Gifts will support student scholarships, capital projects, and academic and co-curricular student experiences.

“As I think about the results of our One Day Giving Challenge, what’s most inspiring to me is that, in the midst of this strange and disruptive time, when we are far from one another, so many friends, alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff chose to come together to support Houghton,” remarks Houghton University President Shirley A. Mullen. “This is a powerful testimony to the ways a Houghton education shapes individuals through the impact and timeless mission of Houghton University that prepares students 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 made possible by generous donors: a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge gift up to $285,000 for gifts to the Student Scholarship Fund as well as an additional $260,000 available if Houghton reached a threshold of 1,883 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 newest alumni came together with the most donors to create The Class of 2019 Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will perpetually provide student scholarships with the opportunity for growth through the years.

“Once again, I am deeply humbled by the profoundly generous nature of the Houghton faithful,” stated Karl Sisson, Vice President for Advancement and External Engagement. “The outstanding commitment demonstrated by our alumni, students, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, and friends ensures a Houghton education remains accessible and affordable. The Houghton community is inspired by the overwhelming support and grateful to each of you.”

A 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. Students, although scattered across the country, shared photos and videos via social media and demonstrated the direct impact of donations.

The total $1,178,115 donated on the day count toward Houghton’s comprehensive campaign, “IMPACT: The Campaign for Greater Houghton.” 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 31 states and 39 countries to attend Houghton University, where 99 percent of students receive financial aid.

To learn more, visit https://www.houghton.edu/giving/student-scholarship-fund/