A Show of Gratitude: UVA Darden Community Rallies Together, Surpasses Goal in 24-Hour Giving Challenge
By David Buie-Moltz
As the clock ticked down on a day of generosity and friendly rivalry, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business community came together to exceed expectations, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the School.
On 12 April, Darden held its annual Day for Darden, a 24-hour giving challenge to support students, drive innovation and bolster the institution’s world-class faculty. Intending to reach 1,000 donors, the event reached 1,195 supporters who contributed $866,796 to the School via the Darden Annual Fund.
The day was marked by friendly rivalry, with individual classes and sections vying for the top spot in donor participation. Ultimately, the Class of 2011 and Section C emerged victorious, inspiring the most supporters.
Samantha Hartog, interim vice president for advancement, expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated, noting the immense momentum the event generated as Darden nears the $400 million Milestone I goal of the Powered by Purpose campaign. The day’s success highlighted the strength of the Darden community and its ongoing dedication to the institution.
As an example of the powerful bonds forged at Darden, Liz Brower (MBA ’11) shared her motivations for supporting the School, attributing her dedication to her “outstanding and dynamic classmates.” She added: “I am so grateful for every single aspect of my time at Darden and everything I’ve gained from it. Giving back to the School each year and rallying my classmates to do the same isn’t even a consideration; it’s a no-brainer.”
The Day for Darden results showcased not only the dedication of alumni but also the commitment of faculty, staff and parents who donated to the cause. In a resounding endorsement of the institution, 42 faculty and staff members and 19 parents contributed to the giving challenge, reaffirming Darden’s impact on the lives of those who pass through its halls.
With the support and enthusiasm of its community, Darden continues to forge ahead, fostering innovation, cultivating leaders and making a difference in the business world.
A robust annual fund allows Darden to say “yes” to emerging priorities and innovative ideas that shape the world’s best education experience. Day for Darden may be over, but individuals can donate to the Darden Annual Fund any day. Learn more by watching this video featuring Sukari Brown (Class of 2023) as she highlights the powerful impact of generosity.
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact. Darden’s top-ranked faculty, renowned for teaching excellence, inspires and shapes modern business leadership worldwide through research, thought leadership and business publishing. Darden has Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., area and a global community that includes 18,000 alumni in 90 countries. Darden was established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a top public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Press Contact
Molly Mitchell
Senior Associate Director, Editorial and Media Relations
Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
MitchellM@darden.virginia.edu
