Bulldog Bites

News and Views from the University of Redlands

Going ‘all in’ for Redlands

Jack McCormick ’21 and Sydney Nakagawa ’22 from the Bulldog Swim and Dive Team help create momentum for Giving Day.

On April 8, nearly 1,000 alumni, parents, employees, students, and friends came together to support Giving Day, raising more than $215,000 that will support 80 different funds at the University of Redlands.

"We are extremely grateful to have such loyal supporters who care so deeply about our students and their most critical needs, especially in today's difficult environment," says Vice President for Advancement Tamara Josserand. "During this year's Giving Day, we saw donors continue to make gifts to the areas that matter most to them at Redlands, and this collective support is helping us return to what we do best—offering a personalized education."

The day's excitement included 14 matches and challenges, leveraging additional support for initiatives ranging from campus diversity and inclusion to the School of Music's handbell program. Alpha Theta Phi received the most support of any Greek organization, with 93 donors participating.

Bulldog Athletics had a strong showing in the day's results, raising more than $127,000 and claiming seven of the top ten spots on the Giving Day leadership board. Nine athletic programs increased their total dollars raised from 2019, and donors made numerous gifts to support the Campaign for Bulldog Athletics.

"Giving Day was an incredible success, with awesome synergy and creativity that demonstrated our commitment to and pride in Bulldog Athletics," says Associate Director of Athletics Rachel Roche. "We are grateful for all of the work that went into planning the event, the support that came from it, and the hope it has given us."

Giving Day often inspires first-time donors to make an initial contribution to the University. Erika Flores ’22, who is enrolled in the master of science in organizational leadership program at the School of Business, is one of those inspired to give to the University for the first time.

“I chose to make a gift on Giving Day because I am grateful for the education and experience that I am receiving,” says Flores. “This invaluable knowledge is equipping me for a future in leadership, and playing a small role to ensure that the University continues its success brings me a sense of joy that cannot be measured.”

The University held its first Giving Day in April 2019. Last year's April event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special Giving Week held in October 2020 leading up to Homecoming Weekend.

The results from this year’s Giving Day help bring the University another step closer to completing the $200 million Forever Yours campaign, with more than $192 million in gifts and commitments made to date.

"After a year that challenged us in ways we could not have imagined, we are nearing the finish line of this campaign," says Josserand. "Giving Day has helped to create opportunities for current Bulldogs, while preserving and enhancing the University of Redlands experience for all time."

While Giving Day is over, you can still go "all in" for Redlands; to make a gift, visit www.redlands.edu/givenow or call 909-748-8050. Another easy way to support Redlands is through AmazonSmile, a program that donates 0.5% of your Amazon purchases to your designated charity. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, direct your support to the University of Redlands.