“The Power of Purple” Drives Record Day of Giving

In just 24 hours on April 16, a total of 4,706 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends donated a record $1,448,529 on the College’s sixth annual day of giving. With matching dollars from anonymous donors, the total raised for Holy Cross was $2,548,529.

Under a theme of "The Power of Purple," the one-day challenge was dedicated to showcasing the hope and strength of the Holy Cross community, prioritizing gifts that directly impact student experience and access to a Holy Cross education. Significantly, $1,134,649 was donated to the Holy Cross Fund – also a new record – with $221,065 raised directly for financial aid. The Crusader Athletics Fund received $145,704 in support, and $168,175 was raised for immediate use, to support top strategic priorities and pressing needs.

Additional giving options included the Fund for Academic Excellence, which supports students' outstanding record of academic achievement; the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Fund, which broadly supports ongoing and enhanced DEI initiatives at the College; the Emergency Relief Fund, which helps meet students' unanticipated travel, technology and emergency financial aid needs; and Faith and Service, which nurtures the College's commitment to forming the whole person – the intellectual, social and spiritual self.

Donors also supported a variety of other areas that directly support our students: the Bishop Healy Emergency Fund, the Black Student Union Student Opportunity Fund, the LGBTQIA+ Leadership Fund and the O'Callahan Society.

"This Giving Day was primarily about hope – about leading intentionally and promoting the common good to ensure access to our transformative education – and we're humbled by such a generous response," said Christene Riendeau, director of annual giving and volunteer engagement at the College. "Leadership support from the College's President's Council reached a new high, with a record $986,382 raised from 799 members. But, frankly, this day would not have been as successful without our volunteers fueling momentum. Their passion and pride for the College represents our community’s unique hope in action."

"At heart, our annual giving day is about celebrating the Holy Cross community and the hope we all share in celebrating each person's talent and each student's experience," said Tracy Barlok, vice president for advancement. "What is truly inspiring is that over two-thirds of gifts – 68% – were $100 or less, accounting for $161,693. This is significant and is a reminder that every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. When we come together as a community, we can create incredible opportunities for our students. That’s the Power of Purple!"