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NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma community came together once again in a powerful show of generosity during its annual Giving Day, raising over $29.6 million to support causes university-wide. OU received 6,745 gifts, including support from all 50 states and 18 countries across the globe during the April 14 event.
Giving Day is OU’s largest single-day fundraising event every year, bringing the entire OU community together for 24 hours to support students, programs, faculty and departments across all three OU campuses.
This year, the OU Family came together to raise $29,639,944. These funds will help expand educational access, advance life‑changing research, strengthen patient care, support OU Athletics and accelerate innovation that benefits Oklahoma and communities beyond. Together, this fundraising achievement reflects a shared commitment to excellence and opportunity.
The support provided on Giving Day 2026 propelled the Lead On campaign closer to its fundraising objective, which benefits the entire OU community. With the help of Giving Day and generous supporters year-round, the historic campaign is nearing its $2 billion goal.
“Every Giving Day, we see the strength of the OU Family on full display,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “When alumni and friends come together in support of our students, faculty and programs, they create the kind of unmistakable momentum that allows OU to lead with purpose and deliver real impact for our students, state and beyond.”
Giving Day’s success is powered by hourly challenges that give members of the OU Family the opportunity to earn matching dollars for their favorite causes at OU. These matching dollars are provided by the OU Foundation and the OU Foundation Board members.
“OU Giving Day is a powerful reflection of the generosity and shared belief in our university’s future that defines the OU community,” said Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer for the OU Foundation. “The collective support we see each year, from even the smallest of donations, makes it possible for the university to reach greater heights.”
For more information about how to support the University of Oklahoma and the Lead On campaign, please visit leadonou.org.
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 www.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.
The University of Oklahoma has received a transformative gift from Jon and Shannon McCartney, which will name the McCartney Family Tunnel of Champions, the McCartney Family Gate of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and the McCartney Family Grand Lecture Hall in the Michael F. Price College of Business. The gift will also support the Inspiring Champions and the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund, in addition to establishing the McCartney DFW Career Trek program at Price College.
The University of Oklahoma today celebrated the opening of a new air traffic control tower at the OU Max Westheimer Airport. Standing 106 feet tall, more than double the current 52-foot facility, the new tower will modernize air traffic control operations and improve safety for pilots and students operating in the airspace.
Do I buy groceries or pay the electric bill? Should I pawn some of my belongings to afford my prescription? My child is sick, so I will have to miss work to take care of him. Those are just a few of the difficult choices that OU-Tulsa health professional students confronted during the Community Access to Resources Experience. The role-playing activity challenged students to navigate the financial, family and other pressures that can affect a person’s health and ability to follow medical advice. Held annually during the SCM Institute orientation week, the experience is designed to generate understanding and build empathy.
