Donors make One Big Give record event

One Big Give was a day to remember this year as donors shattered goals during Cumberlands’ annual giving event. Organizers had hoped to reach a goal of 2,024 total donors this year but had 2,692 donors express their support of Cumberlands by the end of the day. A total of $401,674 in donations will support scholarships, campus organizations, and athletics teams. 

“We are fortunate to be part of an organization so deeply committed to our students and to have the unwavering support of alumni, friends, and other advocates who share our vision,” said Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, president of University of the Cumberlands. “It is encouraging to see the Cumberlands family unite to support our students, making One Big Give a remarkable success year after year.”

Cumberlands started the annual give day tradition five years ago in 2019. That first year was considered successful, with 487 donors giving $76k. This year marked the most donors and total donations for Cumberlands since the event's inception. As always, 100 percent of the money raised for One Big Give will go toward students and university initiatives that benefit the campus and campus community.

“We are always positive heading into One Big Give, but to see this become the largest year yet is just amazing,” said Andy Wolfe, director of advancement services. Wolfe added that of the total donated this year, $271,406 came from individual donors, with an additional $131,390 in matching gifts. 

Donors helped to meet a $15,000 1:1 match for student scholarships, a $15,000 1:1 match for campus ministries, and a $5,500 match for $25 donations made during the evening power hour. Overall, $165,747 was raised for athletic departments, $59,685 for scholarships, $45,569 for student-based organizations, and $41,108 for academic departments. Thirty percent of all donations came from friends of the university, and 20 percent came from alumni. 

Nearly every department at Cumberlands is in some way indebted to the generosity of donors. Cumberlands’ One Big Give will continue its success as organizers now look to planning for 2025. Though the event is officially over for this year, anyone hoping to support students can visit www.ucumberlands.edu/give.