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Purdue Day of Giving Raises More Than $8.6 Million, Sets New Record for Donor Participation

4/28/2023 8:49:00 AM | General

An impactful day for Purdue student-athletes, including honoring legendary football coach Joe Tiller

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (April 28, 2023) - Purdue Athletics concluded the 10th annual Purdue Day of Giving with record participation of more than 2,500 gifts, raising more than $8.6 million in support of the Boilermakers' 18 sport programs.
 
Additionally, for the second time in athletics history, the John Purdue Club (JPC) annual fund has surpassed $11 million in contributions, which helps pay the nearly $13 million annual scholarship bill.
 
Within many important initiatives, JPC received support for Tiller Tunnel that was led by a personal match from Drew and Brittany Brees, which will allow Purdue Athletics to honor legendary head football coach Joe Tiller in a lasting way inside Ross-Ade Stadium. More than 356 donors at three different giving levels had their donation matched and will be publicly recognized on the wall at the entrance to the field. This project consists of three giving levels at $5,000, $25,000 and $100,000. The football program, athletics department and JPC are thankful to the Brees family for joining in support of Purdue Day of Giving, bolstering fundraising efforts throughout the day.
 
The following giving initiatives were the driving force behind this year's Purdue Day of Giving: Tiller Tunnel, John Purdue Club, and Varsity P, which allows athletics alumni to invest in their former programs. For the third consecutive year, athletics alumni engagement increased by incentivizing sports programs and head coaches' involvement with bonus money winnings from the John Purdue Club.
 
"The Purdue community continues to increase their investment in our ability to provide the best resources possible for our student-athletes" said Tim House, executive senior associate athletics director and associate vice president for development. "It's been a transformative year with incredible support toward a variety of priorities which will drive the department forward, including Ross-Ade Stadium renovations, updates to the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex and Mackey Arena locker room renovations. We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our alumni and fans, who have stepped up to invest in our fundraising priorities."
 
With two months left in the fiscal year, the goal is to get even closer to fully funding scholarships while maximizing the ability to carry out additional departmental priorities. From alumni, supporters and friends to faculty, staff and student-athletes – the far and wide engagement on Purdue Day of Giving and throughout the year has displayed an unwavering commitment to the development of Purdue Athletics.
 
For those who missed the opportunity to give to Tiller Tunnel on Purdue Day of Giving or the John Purdue Club, the membership deadline for the 2023-24 year is Sunday, April 30. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can renew or join by making a gift online or learn more about ways to support Purdue Athletics initiatives by contacting the John Purdue Club at 765.494.2582 or jpc@purdue.edu.