Houghton, N.Y.—Houghton College received $1,094,820 in gifts from 2,119 supporters during its annual One Day Giving Challenge on April 26, 2019. These gifts will support student scholarships, capital projects, and academic and co-curricular student experiences.
“The One Day Giving Challenge is a great testimony to the timeless mission and impact of a Houghton education,” says Houghton College President Shirley A. Mullen. “While it is facilitated by recent technological innovation, it would not be possible without the natural desire of alumni and friends of all ages to give back to the college that prepared them 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 day’s success was fueled by two giving challenges made possible by generous donors. Gifts to the Student Scholarship Fund were matched dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000, with an additional $240,000 becoming available if Houghton reached a threshold of 1883 donors during the 24-hour period. Additionally, a class challenge encouraged alumni to compete for the most donors, with the prize of a $25,000 endowed scholarship in the winning class’s name. 2014’s graduating class came out on top for the second year in a row, doubling The Class of 2014 Endowed Scholarship to $50,000. This money will perpetually provide student scholarships, with the possibility of growth through the years.
“Once again, I am deeply humbled by the profoundly generous nature of the Houghton College faithful,” says Karl Sisson, Vice President for Advancement and External Relations. “The selflessness 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.”
To highlight the importance of the One Day Giving Challenge, a social media takeover sought to connect with the extended Houghton community by demonstrating the value of supporting students today and in the future. Students shared their intended career plans via social media to emphasize the direct impact of donations. The Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, and Metz Culinary Management inspired the campus community through special events, including a ‘giving central station’ in the Reinhold Campus Center.
All of the money raised during the One Day Giving Challenge will 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, along with 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 College’s extension sites in Buffalo and Utica.
Houghton’s Student Scholarship Fund currently enables students from 31 states and 39 countries to attend Houghton College, where 100 percent of students receive financial aid.
