Indiana State University Newsroom

More than 2,400 donors showed their Sycamore pride by giving in support of Indiana State University’s Give to Blue Day.

The second annual day of giving for ISU resulted in $679,247 raised for the university — a 56 percent increase over the total funds raised for the 2019 giving day.

The university’s goal was to engage 1,865 donors in honor of the institution’s founding year. By 7 p.m., the goal was met, unlocking two additional donor challenge gifts to help inspire 2,418 donors to make donations.

The day featured a total of 97 challenge gifts that met their fundraising goals.

“We are so thankful for the support of Give to Blue Day,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “From individual gifts to local business support, we were blown away by the generosity of the entire Sycamore community. We are creating a culture of philanthropy at ISU; our 2,418 donors and $679,247 in gifts shows we are well on our way.”

Indiana State alumni accounted for 64 percent of total giving. Sycamore Athletics topped the leaderboard garnering nearly $180,000 in gifts, including a $40,000 challenge gift from ISU alumni John and Marilyn Thyen. The gift from the Thyens inspired support for ISU football from 118 donors.

The Scott College of Business was at the top of the leaderboard among the academic colleges, raising a total of $70,168 from 190 donors.

“Give to Blue Day creates a dynamic energy on campus and in the Terre Haute community,” said Hilary Duncan, director of annual giving for the Division of University Advancement.  “I am proud to be a part of this day and helping to enhance the culture of philanthropy for our university, especially with our students.”

More than 500 students helped to support the day. Student support included online donations and several events on campus. The student philanthropy organization was instrumental in promoting the impact of donor giving by placing bows on donor supported projects on campus. 

“Give to Blue Day made me proud to be a Sycamore,” said Kimmie Collins, president of ISU’s student philanthropy group. “The entire campus was buzzing with an energy like no other, truly making the university feel like an even tighter community. It was both awe-inspiring and humbling to experience the outpouring of support for Sycamores.”

Among other Give to Blue Day achievements:

--More than 1,000 faculty and staff donated.

--Donor support spanned 48 states and 6 countries.

--The Bridge the Gap Scholarship initiative received more than $120,000 in donor gifts to help academically motivated students stay in school.

--Average gift size was $280.91.

Preparations for Give to Blue Day included a team of “ambassadors” on campus and through social media. More than 500 social ambassadors comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni generated excitement by sharing reasons why they support Indiana State.

“I am an enthusiastic social ambassador for Indiana State, but I was particularly supportive of the students that chose to be ambassadors this year,” said Greg Bierly, Dean of the ISU Honors College. “I shared their personal links for all donations because their passion and excitement about the institution is inspiring. Hearing students describe and promote the things they love about their experience here is what propels me personally to give and to work harder in their behalf.”

Bierly and University Honors students helped to achieve 165 donors to the Honors College with social media posts for Give to Blue Day.

“Reconnecting with those alums was a highlight of the day for me, and it was gratifying to watch them play a part in the lives of students that are now following in their footsteps,” added Bierly.

For more information about Give to Blue Day or to contribute to Indiana State University, go to indstate.edu/give.

Media contact:

Kim Kunz, Executive Director of Stewardship and Constituent Relations

Division of University Advancement

(812) 237-6154 (Office)

(812) 230-6245 (Mobile)

Kimberly.Kunz@indstate.edu