Hornet Nation breaks records on Emporia State Day of Giving, raising $315,384
Annual giving event surpasses both $250K goal and $300K stretch goal with 801 gifts from 661 donors
Emporia, KS (02/12/2026) — Emporia State's Day of Giving delivered record-breaking results, raising $315,384 through 801 gifts from 661 donors. The total surpassed the event's $250,000 goal and exceeded the $300,000 stretch goal set during the campaign.
The 2026 results represent a significant jump from last year's Day of Giving, which raised $99,459.93 through 221 gifts from 172 donors.
"This year, Hornet Nation showed what happens when our community rallies together with a shared purpose," said Brandy Clarke, assistant director of annual giving for the ESU Foundation. "Every gift - no matter the size - helped us create momentum, inspire participation and deliver a result that will directly strengthen student opportunities."
Donations could begin on Feb. 4 and culminated on Feb. 11, a day filled with giving challenges and other tactics to inspire participants.
The average gift this year was $329, and donors supported a wide range of priorities across scholarships, programs and areas of greatest need.
"Our alumni and friends believe in Emporia State's students, and they proved it in a remarkable way," said Jason Drummond, president and CEO of the Emporia State University Foundation & Alumni Association. "This record-breaking Day of Giving is more than a number, it's a powerful statement of confidence in the future of Emporia State. We're grateful to every donor who helped open doors for students through scholarships, academic support and the experiences that shape their success."
Anyone who still wants to make a gift can do so at emporia.edu/dayofgiving.
Day of Giving is an annual celebration of philanthropy that invites Hornets everywhere to support the causes that matter most to them at Emporia State.
For more information about giving opportunities and the impact of philanthropy at Emporia State, visit emporia.edu or contact the Emporia State University Foundation & Alumni Association at 620-341-5440.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Media Attachments
The total raised during Emporia State's 2026 Day of Giving surpassed both the original and stretch goals.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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