The second annual Carry the Light raised $115,856 from 184 donors online, including more than $100,000 on the Day of Giving, marking the finale of the two-week philanthropic effort on April 9.
The online event aims to raise money for funds on campus that provide scholarships, resources and programs to aid student success.
According to Program Manager Tessa Ackerland, the total is expected to rise after the university advancement team accounts for cash, checks and matching gifts, which are pledges to financially match another donation. Based on the website, nearly an additional $40,000 was raised by matching gifts.
There were 22 funds that could receive donations this year, including C3 innovation, the Chancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC), the Family Development Center (FDC) and GOCA.
Donations go directly to their designated fund rather than an entire department. For example, the First-Generation Student Support fund had 16 donors while the FDC had 14.
Donors were allowed to donate to more than one fund.
All units on campus had the opportunity to participate in the event. According to Ackerland, there was a short submission process last fall and one-on-one meetings with interested participants.
All participating funds had to be pre-existing and designed to support students.
When Ackerland was hired in 2023, creating this event was one of her goals. She worked closely with other University Advancement staff and executive leadership to get program approval.
“This is definitely something that is close to my heart and very important for me as a first-generation student myself. I’m very grateful for all of the support and engagement and participation that we’ve been seeing around campus,” Ackerland said.
Students can find a breakdown of the funds and donations here.
Carry the Light. Picture by UCCS.