Ole Miss students will benefit from strengthened opportunities because of support contributed on Giving Day 2024. The April 9-10 online, social media-driven event will feature 75 challenge gifts that are meant to inspire alumni and friends to make gifts of all sizes. Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Online event aims to strengthen university programs, bolster campaign
Giving Day 2024 at the University of Mississippi, April 9-10, promises to bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to support academic and outreach programs through an online, social media-driven campaign.
Last year’s Giving Day set a record with $6.83 million from 2,399 gifts. The 2024 event allows the Ole Miss family to match their passions with 22 compelling areas to enhance the student experience, academic programs and community offerings.
“If you like to make a difference, then Giving Day is for you,” said Angela Atkins, associate director of annual giving in the Office of University Development. “This is your opportunity to learn about the needs on campus and be involved in an event that brings together Rebels from all over the world.”
The fifth Ole Miss Giving Day will launch at 9 am Tuesday, April 9, and last 1 day, 8 hours and 48 minutes, in honor of the university’s founding year of 1848. The campaign goals include attracting gifts for participating schools, colleges and programs, and encouraging involvement in vibrant university developments.
Alumni and friends are encouraged to watch a livestream of Giving Day interviews and other content on the Ole Miss Facebook channel from 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday and from 9 am to 5:48 pm Wednesday, April 10.
“Giving Day is a fast-paced, competitive campaign for the Ole Miss family to see how we can make a difference by collaborating, as we share real-time giving results,” Atkins said. “We’re asking our stakeholders to look at our programs and choose one – or more – to support with gifts.”
All contributions will support academic, career and outreach programs. Learn about the initiatives and opportunities by visiting the Giving Day website.
The university’s 10 schools and the College of Liberal Arts are soliciting gifts during the campaign, as well as:
- Division of Diversity and Community Engagement
- Division of Student Affairs
- Office of Outreach and Continuing Education
- Office of Enrollment Management
- Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts
- University Libraries
- UM Museum and Historic Houses
- Ole Miss First and Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy scholarship programs
- Ole Miss Fund
- Ole Miss Alumni Association.
To fuel the momentum of Giving Day, several donors have set up challenges hoping to inspire others to give back. More than 75 challenge gifts will be posted on the Ole Miss Giving Day website, appealing to those who want to see their gifts multiplied in value.
Leaderboard challenges will pit schools and programs against one other to see which ones can secure the most gifts in five time periods to win additional funds.
May 2024 graduating seniors can make a gift of $24 to join the Flagship Society, an honorary giving society. Those who do receive graduation cords, reflecting their commitment to philanthropy. The schools of Education and Business Administration will staff tables in the lobbies of Guyton and Holman halls to offer this opportunity; memberships also can be completed online.
Those who enjoy social media are encouraged to sign up as Giving Day influencers at https://givingday.olemiss.edu. The university will provide influencers with everything needed to post on the platforms of their choice with the hashtag #OleMissGivingDay.
A feature this year’s Giving Day is the “You+2” influencer program that incentivizes donors to make a gift and encourage two others to join them. Participants can win exclusive Giving Day swag, including a vintage-style “Gosh Almighty” pennant. Also, anyone who initiates a monthly gift on Giving Day will receive a red-and-gold Lyceum lapel pin.
Supporters can visit https://www.umfoundation.com/GivingDay to make a tax-deductible gift to Ole Miss. Those who give in advance of Giving Day will be listed at the top of the online Donor Wall unless they request anonymity. Ole Miss Giving Day accepts Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay and all major credit cards.
“At the flagship university, we build leaders,” said Charlotte Parks, vice chancellor for development. “It takes extraordinary resources to provide the scholarships, faculty support, technology, facilities and service opportunities that make it happen.
“Giving Day is an exciting, fun way for everyone to participate in Now & Ever: The Campaign for Ole Miss, our most ambitious fundraising effort ever. We want all members of the Ole Miss to be a part of it.”
For more information on Giving Day, contact Angela Atkins at adm1@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2755.
By Tina H. Hahn
