Dons Go All In on Day of Giving
Every day on the University of San Francisco’s campus is special, and March 26 was markedly so — the Hilltop bloomed with generosity.
Each year, Day of the Dons brings together alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate what makes the USF community special by giving a gift to a program, department, or fund of their choice. Day of the Dons is more than a fundraising event. It’s a celebration of the people who believe in USF. It’s a day fueled by connection, gratitude, and a shared belief in the power of education.
Because of the philanthropic generosity of the USF community, students find opportunities, mentorship, and support as they pursue their dreams.
This year’s theme, Rooted in Generosity, Growing Together, captured the spirit of the day, reflecting USF’s mission to foster community, opportunity, and transformation.
A New Partnership: Stress Less Day
New this year, Day of the Dons joined forces with Stress Less Day, creating opportunities on Gleeson Plaza for students to de-stress, play, and feel connected to the university.
Stress Less Day, sponsored by Health Promotion Services and the Division of Student Life, focuses on supporting student wellbeing, an essential part of student success.
Together, the events highlighted how generosity doesn’t just support programs; it supports the people who make USF thrive.
In the spirit of cura personalis, a commitment to caring for the whole person, this collaboration showed how generosity and wellbeing go hand in hand.”
Jenny Lee, MPH, DTRAssociate Director of Health Promotion Services, University of San Francisco
Highlights from the Day
- 2,940 donors came together to support USF
- $1,127,059 dollars raised in support of scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and student initiatives
- More than 229 students participated in Stress Less Day activities
- Arrupe Immersions and Succulent Planting
- BASE and Pet Therapy plus Photobooth
- Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund with Massage Therapy and Potpourri Making
- Food Pantry and Tea Making, Stress Ball Making, and Gratitude Rock Painting
- Health Promotion Services and DIY Slime, Arts & Crafts, and Trail Mix Making
A Community That Shows Up
From scholarships and academic programs to student support services and campus initiatives, Day of the Dons empowers the community to give where their own passions lie.
Every gift helps fuel innovation and support the experiences that shape students both inside and outside the classroom.
To capture the spirit of this collective effort, Robin Dutton-Cookston, Acting Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving, Campaign Planning, and Development Communications, reflects:
“If you want to see USF values in action, look no further than Day of the Dons. What a wonderful way for our community to shine. Thank you to everyone who pitched in with your generosity and care.”
Missed Day of the Dons? You can still make an impact. Support the programs and students that mean the most to you. Give today.
