ASU day of philanthropy surpassed last year's total gifts to support students, faculty

A cutout sign that reads, "Sun Devil Giving Day" is held up in front of Tempe's "A" Mountain in the background.

By Michelle Stermole |
March 31, 2022

This month, Sun Devil supporters donated more than 4,300 gifts to support Arizona State University programs and students and faculty, surpassing last year’s total of 3,700 gifts.

Sun Devil Giving Day raised more than $825,000 on March 17 for donor-selected causes through online, offline and Aramark point-of-sale transactions at ASU dining and retail locations.

“Private support is critical to increasing access to education, advancing research and extending opportunities for ASU students and faculty,” said Bill Kavan, vice president of engagement and outreach at the ASU Foundation for A New American University. “Every dollar donated makes a difference toward fulfilling ASU’s charter.”

This year’s universitywide day of philanthropy included shoutouts from Al Roker, weatherman and anchor for NBC News' “Today” show, Arizona's Family meteorologist Ian Schwartz, U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and others.

Several existing donors offered matching gift opportunities to bolster philanthropic contributions. This year, 31 donors offered a matching contribution option, up from 11 matches last year.

Desert Financial Credit Union provided a $5,000 match and also made an additional investment of $25,000, both investments supported the Student Crisis Fund. The Student Crisis Fund provides emergency financial support to students facing unforeseen hardship.

The ASU Foundation’s Next Generation Council, an advisory group made up of ASU alumni who earned degrees since 2002, matched up to $50 per gift from any ASU graduate of the past 20 years. Their total matching contribution was $10,000.

Longtime ASU supporters Craig Barrett, former CEO and chairman of Intel, and Ambassador Barbara Barrett, former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, committed to matching dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, in gifts made to the Mark Jacobs Scholarship Endowment.

“Sun Devil Giving Day raises awareness of the significance of private support and the multitude of causes donors can support, and fundraising continues year-round,” Kavan said.