By Lauren Barnett

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) achieved record-breaking success during Stand Up and Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day, a reflection of the collective strength and pride of its community. The college raised over $3.2 million, the highest total among all University of Florida colleges, programs and units. Nearly 1,100 donors united to contribute 1,370 gifts, surpassing all previous college records for donor participation, gifts received and funds raised during the university’s annual fundraising event.

Held on February 19, the 24-hour event brought together alumni, donors and friends worldwide, as well as the local campus community, in a powerful show of philanthropic support. Giving Day offers an opportunity to raise critical funds that directly benefit students, faculty, research, facilities, programs and a broad range of initiatives.

Now in its eighth year, Giving Day has grown into a signature UF tradition, inviting Gators everywhere to support causes that mean the most to them. Over the course of the day, members of the CLAS community rallied behind 33 departments, centers and programs throughout the college, helping to advance specific initiatives.

Among the many gifts made during Giving Day, several significant gifts made by UF alumni stand out for their ability to redefine programs and expand opportunities for students and faculty.

Two such gifts will enable the Department of Psychology to further enhance its work: A $100,000 gift from Sal Bochicchio (BSBA ’99, JD ’02, LLMT ’03) and Lauren Bochicchio ’02 will advance facility improvements, including the creation of a new student advising space. Dianne A. Allen ’79, a member of the Department of Psychology Advisory Board, made a $500,000 gift in broad support of the department’s priorities, reinforcing its capacity to lead in the field.

These gifts, along with another transformational gift made in support of Giving Day from a long-time champion of the college have the potential to spark exponential impact.

UF supporter Gary R. Libby (BA ’66, MA ’15) gave a $1 million gift to establish endowed support in Beyond120 and the Department of English, furthering student professional development and innovation.

The college also hosted eight challenge gifts, designated for specific departments and programs. These opportunities, which offered real-time progress updates toward goals, gave donors the chance to expand their impact by unlocking larger gifts. All eight challenges were successfully met, exceeding the goals set:

  • Doug Valleau, a member of the geological sciences advisory board, committed a $50,000 gift to the Geology Department Fund.
  • The Psychology Advisory Board, longstanding advocates for Giving Day, established a $20,000 gift to enhance the Psychology Department Fund, inspiring over 160 gifts in the process.
  • An anonymous donor contributed a $2,000 challenge gift to support water and wildlife research in the labs of Chris Dutton and Amanda Subalusky through the Department of Biology’s WILDS fund.
  • Hunt and Jeanne Davis supported the UF Center for African Studies with a $2,500 matching gift.
  • Thanks to Genie Stowers ’79, a $1,000 gift was unlocked in support of the Sustainability Studies program, which received over 40 gifts. This year marked the first time Sustainability Studies participated in Giving Day.
  • In honor of Professor Lonn Lanza-Kaduce’s recent retirement, Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law Chair and Professor Stephen Perz gifted $5,000 to the Dr. Lonn Lanza-Kaduce Scholarship Fund. The challenge was met after 45 gifts were made, in celebration of Professor Lanza-Kaduce’s 45 years of impact on campus.
  • Two Department of Chemistry challenges galvanized the academic community to action:
    • A $108,000 gift from Howard Sheridan ’65 and his wife, Brenda, was unlocked.
    • A $10,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift was given to the department by chemist Rob Kincart ’72 and his wife, Laurel.

Gene Inman (Ph.D. ’82) and Wanda Inman joined Kincart and Sheridan in supporting the Department of Chemistry. Together, the three Chemistry Leadership Board Members helped inspire more than 130 gifts in support of one of the college’s flagship disciplines.

“The amazing support of our alumni and friends on Gator Nation Giving Day is a testament to the community that we have built through our teaching, research and service missions,” said Ronald Castellano, chair of the chemistry department. “Giving Day reminds me how powerful relationships and a shared purpose are for our success.”

Altogether, over 14,000 Gators united to raise over $11.2 million dollars for university priorities across campus. The college, and the university, extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event a success.

The success of CLAS during this event highlights the connection its community shares with the college’s mission of excellence in liberal arts education, research and service to the greater good.

“Giving Day is a celebration of the positive momentum our community can create when we all come together,” said Interim Dean Kevin Ingersent. “I’m humbled to witness this support and want to thank each and every donor for their role in making such a profound impact on our college, its mission and the future of our students.”

Learn more about Gator Nation Giving Day and discover ways you can support our college here.