Laker Community Surpasses Giving Challenge Goal
The Laker family successfully reached the goal of the 1861 Giving Challenge, securing the $60,000 gift from Dr. Tom Mahl ’80 and raising a total of more than $179,000 for SUNY Oswego.
The challenge coincided with the 200th birthday of SUNY Oswego founder, Edward Austin Sheldon.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate than by supporting SUNY Oswego students,” Dr. Mahl said in his email to the university community to kick off the challenge.
Among the supporters was Monday Night Football Play-by-Play Commentator and ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Steve Levy ’87 who made his gift and tweeted: “Where are my OZ people at? (Clearly, was not an English major) I just made my donation, hope you’ll do the same. Clock is ticking and we are out of time outs…”
Laker parent Karen Corcoran commented on LinkedIn: “As a parent of a current Laker, I’m happy to make my donation to this amazing university!! Let’s rally for the 1861 gift. Thanks Dr. Mahl!”
Current students helped build momentum by posting on social media accounts throughout the day, and students and staff members tabled at locations across campus to garner support for the challenge.
The 18 Telefund student callers reached out to alumni, parents and past supporters throughout the 1861-minute challenge.
Gifts supported more than 85 different funds, including departmental funds, athletic teams, Student Emergency Fund, S.H.O.P. on-campus student pantry, student scholarships and where the need is greatest. A total of 892 Lakers from 32 different U.S. states — and from as far away as Ramstein Air Base in Germany — participated in the challenge and donated $119,108 (not including the challenge gift).
“Thank you to everyone who supported SUNY Oswego and made this challenge a success,” said Annual Fund Director Barbie Fike. “We’d like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Mahl for serving as our challenger and spurring other Lakers to come together to surpass our goal. Collectively, these gifts make a big impact on the students of SUNY Oswego.”
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