University of Mississippi alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends stepped up again during Giving Day 2026, with a record 3,223 gifts providing $1,789,552 for programs, scholarships and student opportunities.
Spanning 1 day, 8 hours and 48 minutes, Giving Day began at 9 a.m. Tuesday (April 14) in honor of the university’s 1848 founding. In its seventh year, the celebration has become a favorite tradition — part philanthropy, part fun — and a testament to the Ole Miss community’s enduring spirit of giving.
“Giving Day is always special because it reminds us of what can be achieved when the Ole Miss family comes together,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “Generosity is indeed a hallmark of our community, and we’ve demonstrated that again this year.
“The gifts made over the past two days will open doors and lift our students toward opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves. I am incredibly grateful for the thousands of donors who have shown up for our students and our university.”
Charlotte Parks, vice chancellor for development, said the numbers tell a deeper story about connection and pride.
“The response to this year’s Giving Day reflects the extraordinary passion of the Ole Miss community,” Parks said. “Setting a record for participation speaks to how our alumni, parents, and friends care about our students and our future. Every challenge and gift will make a meaningful impact across campus.”
“We’re deeply grateful to everyone who showed up with such pride and generosity.”
A Campus in Motion
Viewers across the country tuned into a live webcast featuring university leaders, academic demonstrations, creative showcases and student stories, each spotlighting how philanthropy transforms lives at Ole Miss.
Friendly competition fueled momentum across campus. Every school and unit got involved, with the School of Applied Sciences standing out by leading all units with 446 donors, far surpassing its previous high.
One of the most popular causes was Ole Miss READY, a program expanding access to higher education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, opening doors many families once thought closed.
The generosity on display reflects who Ole Miss supporters have always been, said Wendell Weakley, CEO of the UM Foundation.
“Our Ole Miss family never fails to help students excel,” Weakley said. “This support will pay exceptional dividends for the university for decades to come.”
Major Gifts Secured
Among the many gifts received were several that will shape the future of the university:
- Journalism and English alumna Ashley Anderson Mattei committed $250,000 to the School of Journalism and New Media, benefiting the S. Gale Denley Student Media Center and establishing the Ashley Anderson Mattei Student Innovators Endowment in the Mississippi Media Lab.
- Oxford resident Lucy Banks made a $500,000 gift to create the Dr. Frank and Lucy Banks Scholarship Endowment, supporting children of active or retired Mississippi first responders and first responders themselves.
- Partners and employees of KPMG made a $125,000 contribution to support construction of the new Patterson School of Accountancy building. A student lounge in the new building will bear the firm’s name. KPMG matched the gift bringing it to $250,000.
From Squirrels to Scholarships
Beloved traditions added a personal touch throughout the day. The Squirrel Scavenger Hunt sent students and donors roaming around campus, following clues on social media to find stuffed squirrels and direct $250 gifts to campus initiatives they care about.
The squirrels were all found, three by students and one by a tourist from Ohio. “Theora” was found at the UM Museum. “Iris” was found at the Grove stage. “David” was found at the Nutt Auditorium and “Flash” was captured at the Student Media Center.
Others joined by naming squirrels with $26 gifts, signing the Ventress Hall turret or making gifts in honor or memory of the professors, mentors and loved ones who shaped their Ole Miss experience.
The Ole Miss Fund, which provides flexible support for students, academic programs and emerging priorities across campus, was also popular. The Let’s Book It Fund drew major support, helping Ole Miss Opportunity students cover the cost of textbooks and supplies.
For more information on supporting the University of Mississippi, click here.
By Michael Newsom/UM Development