Marist College announced on March 25 its third annual Day of Giving, aiming to reach 4,000 donors in a single day through a series of challenges and incentives designed to support students and campus programs.
The event encourages alumni, parents, students, and supporters to participate by contributing to the areas they care about most. The college hopes these efforts will unlock additional funds for student initiatives and campus resources.
Jose Villafañe, a Marist alumnus from the class of 1996 who is founder and managing partner of Costa Media as well as CEO of Nueva Network, is serving as an advocate for the event. He is offering two $5,000 matching challenges—one each for the Marist Fund and the HEOP Alumni Fund—with gifts matched dollar-for-dollar until each challenge is met. “I would not have gotten where I am today without the Marist experience or the support I received,” Villafañe said. “The mentorship I received was crucial for my personal development and has led me to this moment in my career and professional life. I like to help offer someone like me the same opportunity I was given and see more young men and women of any background have a bright future.” He added: “Small or large contributions make a difference. If we all chip in as alumni and support Marist, staff, and students, our actions are contributing to the future and to potential future entrepreneurs who will make a difference in this world.”
Several key challenges are planned throughout the day: For every 1,000 donors who contribute during Day of Giving, Marist’s Board of Trustees will release additional funds for the Marist Fund; if 900 parent donors participate, a five-figure gift from the Parents Council will be unlocked; retired faculty member Bill Robelee along with Margaret Robelee are providing a $5,000 match supporting equity initiatives; when senior class donors surpass last year’s total of 350 participants from Class of 2026 members alone, $1,000 from Alexandria Sanatore will be added.
Supporters can also contribute toward athletics programs through dedicated competitions such as Jim Elliott’s See Her Rise Challenge supporting women’s varsity teams. Matching gifts are available across several academic schools including Management; Science; Communication & Arts; Computer Science & Mathematics.
Additional incentives include exclusive Red Fox socks designed by Ryann Lambert for early qualifying donors as well as discounts at campus stores for advocates who encourage others to give using their personal links. The college invites community members to follow ongoing updates about these activities at marist.edu/dayofgiving.
