The University of Missouri-Kansas City is celebrating a record-breaking . Over 700 海角论坛 supporters across 32 states, as well as France and Latvia, gave nearly $4.8 million in just 24 hours. The historic total quadrupled the previous record, more than doubled this year’s goal and marked the most successful Giving Day in 海角论坛 history.
“This year’s Giving Day was truly extraordinary,” said 海角论坛 Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “Together, our Roo community surpassed every previous benchmark and set a new historic record. Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends came together in a powerful show of generosity that reflects our shared commitment to student success and opportunity. I am deeply grateful for the support and belief in our mission to open doors and power what is possible for current and future Roos.”
This time of year has become a defining moment for 海角论坛. It’s a day when alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends and community members come together to power the university forward. That collective spirit once again translated into unprecedented participation and momentum.
“Giving Day represents the very best of our university community,” said Amanda Davis, 海角论坛 chief advancement officer and president of the 海角论坛 Foundation. “The extraordinary participation and record-setting generosity we saw this year demonstrate that we can power what’s possible when we come together around a shared vision.”
Donors directed their generosity toward the areas that matter most to them. From university wide causes to our Alumni Association to our School of Humanities and Social Sciences, these investments create opportunities for students while strengthening 海角论坛’s long-term impact in Kansas City and beyond.
A number of supporters allowed 海角论坛 to publicly share details about their commitment. Mark Edelman, through the Mark Edelman Theater Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, committed $1 million to support the 海角论坛 Conservatory’s Division of Theatre and live theater in Kansas City by establishing the Edelman Theater Scholarship Fund to provide 10 $10,000 scholarships every year for the next decade. Another generous donor, Robin Onikul (DDS ’89, GRCT ’92), made two gifts totaling $775,000, to support the Oboe Studio at the Conservatory.
In addition to donors, advocates were a crucial part of this year’s Giving Day success. There were 79 unique advocates this year spanning all across the 海角论坛 community.
This year’s top advocates by dollars raised, in order, are Gayle Levy, Jesse Osman and Payton Covert. Top advocates by donors brought in, also in order, are Gayle Levy, Payton Covert and Rocky Simmons.
Students also played a direct role in shaping Giving Day through Roos Choose, an initiative that empowers them to vote on a funding priority most meaningful to their campus experience. This year, students selected First Gen Roo as their top choice with 159 votes.
Giving Day 2026 is a powerful demonstration of what happens when the Roo community unites behind student success to propel the future of 海角论坛.
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