Beavers Set Record on International Beaver Day
Number of benefactors soars to 440
Buena Vista University alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends set a record on International Beaver Day on Wednesday as some 440 made contributions totaling more than $85,000.
The number of givers establishes a standard for BVU in a one-day giving effort.
“Your contributions make life-changing opportunities possible for our students, empowering them to pursue their dreams.”
-Barb Aiona, BVU Director of Alumni Campaigns
“With heartfelt gratitude, we thank every donor who made this such a successful celebration,” said Barb Aiona, BVU Director of Alumni Campaigns. “Your contributions make life-changing opportunities possible for our students, empowering them to pursue their dreams.”
Several generous BVU benefactors provided matching and challenge gifts to increase the impact of donations. Additionally, the Beavers’ dedicated social champions continued to advocate and encourage others to join in BVU’s spring day of giving. Gifts came from across the US as Beavers in 20 states joined in the effort.
Individual gifts ranged from a $20,000 donation to several $10 gifts provided by recent BVU graduates who became first-time donors to their alma mater.
“We are thrilled to have Beavers connecting with one another and doing what they can to move us all forward,” said Sarah Johnson, Senior Director of Alumni & Donor Relations. “Not only did BVU set a record in one-day gifts, we surpassed last year’s total of donors by more than 100.”
More than 20 BVU teams and programs – such as the Annual Fund – received boosts on a day set aside for the Beavers. President Brian Lenzmeier began the day before dawn by taking part in an annual quiz hosted by News Anchor Al Joens ’85, of Sioux City’s NBC affiliate, KTIV. President Lenzmeier detailed how the Beavers continue to build by sharing updates on the new apartment-style residence hall, the Building Champions campaign to expand and renovate BVU Athletics facilities, and the work to renovate Grand Hall to become the new Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship.
Students participated in the day by leaving Post-It notes for professors, coaches and staff members who have made a difference in their lives. Dozens of students shared video thank-you messages for those who gave on a record-breaking day.
Gina Hartman ’23, who serves as Assistant to the VP for Enrollment, Marketing, and Athletics, encouraged more than 50 young alumni to give back to their alma mater through a “Birdie Challenge” in which she connected with alumni she helped nurture in their time as students.
If you missed the opportunity to be part of this momentous occasion, there is still time to make a gift, and become part of our mission. Simply visit bvu.edu/beaverday.