We did it!

Once again, Carthaginians came through in the clutch.

Thanks to a late surge in contributions from alumni, parents, employees, students, and other supporters, Carthage exceeded its primary Giving Day 2023 goal with monetary gifts from over 760 donors on March 30. During the annual 24-hour fundraising sprint, the College raised an estimated $511,320 for student-centered programs and financial aid.

The total includes $250,000 from the Board of Trustees. The #redandready Carthage community unlocked that “challenge gift” by surpassing the 750-donor target. Gifts ranged from $1 to $10,000.

A late-afternoon campus celebration in the Todd Wehr Center featured a cornhole (or bags, as some call the popular yard game) tournament. From a field of 17 two-person teams that entered, the freshman tandem known as Shake ’n Bake — Nolan Skarr ’26 and Kai Agamaite ’26 — emerged victorious.

The Giving Day Cornhole champs Nolan Skarr '26 and Kai Agamaite '26 with President Swallow. Fundraising mini-challenges and hourly challenges also provided Giving Day highlights, bringing in gifts for scholarships, textbooks, mental health services, equity and inclusion programming, and study abroad. Three mini-challenges and two hourly challenges reached the respective dollar marks that elicited matching gifts from like-minded donors.

As an extra incentive to give, Carthaginians had the option to secure temporary naming rights for campus spaces and equipment. Available options ranged from the obscure (speed bumps, drinking fountains, and red Adirondack chairs) to the familiar (Office of Admissions and Kissing Rock).

Students picked up spirit wear at designated booths. And, because every dollar counts, the Class of 2023 Gift Committee invited all Firebirds in the neighborhood to pool their loose change in a “Dollar Down” challenge.

We offer a hearty thank you to everyone who pitched in to make Giving Day 2023 a resounding win for students. You exemplify the Carthage spirit!