Holy Cross Day sets record with $273,599.93 raised from 769 donors.

Holy Cross College’s annual giving initiative, Holy Cross Day, set a new record, generating $273,599.93 from 769 donors on April 16, marking the most successful day of giving in the College’s history.

The one-day effort brought together alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College to support a range of initiatives across campus. This year’s Holy Cross Day placed a particular emphasis on student-developed proposals, highlighting projects designed and led by students to address real needs and opportunities within the campus community.

Among the initiatives supported were a student-led civil rights educational experience in Washington, D.C., improvements to campus study spaces, and a sustainability project focused on composting unused dining hall food to create a campus unity garden.

“This record-setting day reflects both the generosity of our community and the initiative of our students,” said Sarah Charles, Director of Development, Annual Giving & Operations. “Students identified needs, developed thoughtful plans, and invited others to be part of bringing those ideas to life. The response shows a deep belief in what our students are capable of and in the mission of Holy Cross.”

In total, 29 student-led initiatives were featured as part of the campaign, alongside broader support for academics, athletic scholarships, and student programs.

Holy Cross Day included 897 total gifts, with an average gift of $179.77, supporting 29 projects across campus. Participation included 136 alumni, 89 current parents, 122 students, 65 faculty and staff, and 357 friends and other supporters, reflecting broad engagement across the Holy Cross community.

Several giving challenges helped drive momentum throughout the day, with top participation and fundraising honors going to Black Student Association (Faculty/Staff Challenge Hour Winner), SGA-Library (Student Challenge Hour Winner), Office of Student Success (Parent Challenge Hour Winner) and Holy Cross Music & Ave Crew (Alumni Challenge Hour Winner).

Early giving, which opened April 1, helped build momentum leading into April 16, contributing to the overall record-breaking total.

“Holy Cross Day continues to grow not only as a fundraising effort, but as a reflection of how we form students to lead,” Charles said. “This is what it looks like when a community comes together around student-driven ideas.”