Posted 10:37 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Sixth-annual One Day for UWL sets new record
The sixth-annual One Day for UWL generated more than 2,670 gifts totaling $622,664 during its Oct. 21–22 run. The total exceeded the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation’s $600,000 goal and set a new record for the annual day of giving.
In all, 167 departments, teams, programs and clubs received support, making this year’s event a win for the entire university community.
“These results speak volumes to how much the UWL community cares about the mission of UWL and building a strong future for our institution that is full of opportunity,” says Annual Giving Coordinator Lauren Wanders, who leads the day’s planning and execution. “We already knew that having a goal of $600,000 for our sixth year of One Day was ambitious, so being able to not only meet the goal but pass it significantly makes me so proud of our UWL community.”
Generosity flowed not only from right here in Wisconsin, but from alumni and friends across 42 states. On campus, participation was also strong, with 184 students making their first-ever gift and more than 520 employees contributing.
“I think these results say a lot about the UWL community too,” says Wanders. “We are tenacious, generous and united in the thing we care about most: our students. I think the UWL community sends a message that we are all in this together!”
Each year, One Day for UWL brings together alumni, students, employees and friends for a celebratory 24 hours of giving — a reminder of how philanthropy strengthens every part of campus and transforms students’ lives.
This year’s record success was fueled in part by an extraordinary 62 matches and challenges completed within the 24-hour period — out of 75 offered — magnifying the impact of every contribution. Examples included the Adapted Physical Education Match from Mike, ’82, and Kathi McGinley, which matched the first $25,000 raised for the program, and the “6” Grad Challenge, which matched gifts from alumni with a “6” in their graduation year up to $6,000 in honor of the event’s sixth anniversary.
Wanders says she was surprised how quickly many of the matches were met — some in a matter of minutes.
“I credit this not only to generous donors creating compelling matches and challenges, but also to many individuals on campus who helped spread the word that donors could 2x or even 3x their impact on One Day,” adds Wanders.
Learn more about all of the day’s results and completed challenges at uwlgivingday.uwlax.edu.