On Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Fairfield University was buzzing with activity and filled with Stag excitement.
Signs highlighting the impact of generosity with giant red bows were spread throughout campus, students cruised to class in golf carts driven by the Student Alumni Association labeled “class cart,” volunteers handed out free coffees, and the faculty and staff joined Lucas the Stag — Fairfield’s beloved mascot, for a special lunch celebration. The celebration was all part of the 10th anniversary of STAGiving Day, an annual day of generosity when students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends come together to share their love and support for One Day as One Fairfield.
“Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the joy of watching STAGiving Day become more than a date on the calendar. It’s become a trademark day to celebrate what philanthropy means to and for Fairfield University," said Wally Halas, VP of Advancement. "The generosity of our community continues to shine each year and is a catalyst for so many opportunities for our students. It’s been an incredible joy to watch the impact that just one day can make.”
Every year since 2015, STAGiving Day has made a mark - achieving new goals, reaching more members of our community, and supporting countless programs and areas of need. This year’s 10th anniversary was no exception. Through an incredible showing of Stag support, in just 24 hours, the Fairfield community brought generosity to its highest level yet! It set a new record with a total of 4,531 donors, making gifts to more than 120 funds, and showing support for scholarships, diversity, inclusion and belonging, the arts, and everything in between. That Stag spirit unlocked $1.2 million in challenge funds and secured more than $3.5 million to support the needs of the entire Fairfield community.
The Fairfield Athletics community was a significant part of that support with donors giving to the varsity and club programs that were most transformational and significant to them. More than 1,700 of the total donors gave to more than 20 intercollegiate teams, club sports, and areas of impact, such as Built for Life and Women’s Athletics 50th Fund, totaling over $1.1 million dollars. As Fairfield’s Athletics program continues to grow and receive national recognition, these funds will directly support hardworking student-athletes, offering them the championship-level experiences and resources they need to excel on and off the field.
Stag supporters from across the country and around the globe showcased their love for Fairfield by donating and also by sharing stories of why they choose to give. One donor and nursing alumna told the story of how Fairfield prepared her for a career as an emergency trauma nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic and described her motivation for wanting to give back.
“Not only did I have the privilege of attending one of the most esteemed nursing schools in the U.S., but I also had the opportunity to embrace the Jesuit values that are deeply engrained in Fairfield. This unique combination provided me with the strength and abilities to serve as an emergency trauma nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic,” noted one Fairfield Egan alumna from the Class of 2012.
Her decision to donate this STAGiving Day was to help provide future nurses with the same Fairfield experience she had, so they can go on to change the world.
From the fun of flash challenges and the on-campus scavenger hunt, to the remarkable generosity of advocates and matching gift donors, the 10th anniversary of STAGiving Day proved to be an extraordinary day that will have a lasting impact on countless deserving students and on Fairfield University as a whole.
The entire Fairfield community is grateful for the Stag Spirit that students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends displayed this STAGiving Day. It was an amazing success because of the support that was raised but also, the stories that were shared and the connections that were made among past, present and future STAGs whose lives have been changed and are being changed through this unique and special place. Go Stags!
