WASHINGTON - Behind the combined support of 3,256 donors, American University Athletics led all departments at the University by raising a total of $217,892 during the annual 36-hour Giving Day (formerly Founders Day) on February 27-28, 2023. The campaign was a massive success with previous records shattered, all challenges unlocked and a true spirit of competition among the athletic programs.

The 3,411 total gifts came from 47 different states along with D.C., and from an incredible 24 different countries. Athletics accounted for more than 75 percent of all donors to the University during Giving Day, and for 45 percent of the dollars raised.

"The results of this year's Giving Day are just phenomenal," said Director of Athletics & Recreation Dr. Billy Walker. "I'm so proud of our entire athletics staff and our student-athletes for rising to the occasion, and incredibly thankful for our alumni, parents, staff, and friends of AU Athletics who stepped up and gave so generously—you are all truly change-makers! This year's campaign, led by Athletics Chief Development Officer Lindsey Campbell and Assistant Director of Development Michael Gardner, produced gifts at a level we have not seen before. The funds raised are truly transformational and will help our student-athletes excel at the highest levels both in and out of the classroom."

The results of the competition between the teams saw wrestling come out on top with an incredible $61,624 raised, thanks to the support of 943 donors. Wrestling won an extra $10,000 for raising the most money and an extra $5,000 for having the most donors, to put the final tally at $76,624 for the program in its second year under head coach Jason Borrelli.

With the second and third-most donors, the spirit team and women's soccer team earned an extra $5,000 each. With that extra gift, spirit raised a total of $22,697 to place second on the list, while the cross country and track program came in third at $21,462 raised.

"This year's Giving Day was an incredible success thanks to the passion and support from our AU Athletics alumni, families, and friends," said Campbell. "The work put in by coaches and student-athletes was tremendous, and the response from Eagles worldwide signals a commitment to ensuring our programs have the resources they need to succeed. On behalf of our 297 student-athletes, thank you."

The unlocked challenge funds included $5,000 from golf alumnus Paul Servidio, CAS/BA '04, and alumnae swimmer Jaime Servidio, CAS/BA '05, for 25 alumni athletes donating on Giving Day, a $7,500 gift from wrestling alumnus Loren Danielson, KSB '80, for 10 wrestling alumni-athletes from '78-82 donating on Giving Day, a $1,000 gift from Assistant Vice President for Development James Corey after each program reached 10 donors, and a $1,000 gift from Athletics Chief Development Officer Lindsey Campbell after 25 Athletics staff and coaches donated on Giving Day. 

American University Athletics thanks all those who participated in making the 2023 Giving Day the most successful ever, and we look forward to raising the bar yet again in 2024.