NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma has set a new record for fundraising in a single day, raising $22,647,864 during Giving Day 2023. Donations poured in from all 50 states, totaling 5,035 gifts. Students, alumni and friends also participated in 24 hours of social media challenges to raise support for their favorite causes.
This year’s Giving Day marks the first time that the annual fundraising event received gifts from all 50 states. Sixteen of these gifts each totaled $250,000 and above, including $3 million from the McDonald family, $3 million from Millard Brent, $2 million from Tom Lorz, $1.5 million from the Farzaneh Family Foundation, $1 million from Duane Motsenbocker, $1 million from Michael Wilson and $1 million from the Do family. The university also received two gifts of $3.5 million and $1.3 million from anonymous donors.
These donations will help support Lead On: The University of Oklahoma’s Campaign for the Future, a $2 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign that aims to transform the university and create new opportunities for students and faculty. The seven-year campaign, which was launched in 2020, has already raised over $775 million, thanks to the generous support of donors from around the world.
“The Lead On campaign for OU is more than just a fundraising effort – it’s a bold vision for the future of our university that changes lives,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we are well on our way to transforming our university and creating even greater opportunities for our students and faculty.”
OU Giving Day is the university’s largest fundraising event of the year, bringing together the entire OU community to support students, departments, programs and groundbreaking research across all three OU campuses. The annual event also educates students on the importance of philanthropy in the educational experience.
“The OU family continues to astound us with its incredible generosity,” said Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer for the OU Foundation. “We can’t overemphasize how important Giving Day and private support are in helping OU’s programs and student groups continue to thrive and provide a memorable OU experience. Our community’s support each Giving Day helps us keep the OU spirit and legacy alive for years to come.”
The University of Oklahoma would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year’s Giving Day and the Lead On campaign. Your support makes a tremendous impact and helps OU provide an exceptional educational experience for its students.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information visit ou.edu.
About the OU Foundation
The University of Oklahoma Foundation is an independent charitable organization that facilitates and manages philanthropic gifts to support the University of Oklahoma. With a culture of integrity, skill and persistence, we align the passions of donors and our alumni with the indelible mission of the University of Oklahoma.
