*Updated March 5: All totals in article below are final for 2021 Gettysburgives Challenge.
In a year unlike any in Gettysburg College’s 188-year history, our community rallied together during the 7th annual Gettysburgives Challenge to support our students and advance our shared mission.
Prior to the Challenge, $1.3 million was committed by our Board of Trustees, emeriti trustees, and 19 generous alumni, parents, and friends to inspire fellow Gettysburgians to make a gift during Gettysburgives. An additional $824,192 was then donated by 2,547 alumni, parents, employees, and friends within the traditional 36-hour window of the Challenge.
In total, $2,146,692 was committed in celebration of our Gettysburgives Challenge—a testament to the enduring strength of the Gettysburg College community and what we can accomplish together, even in the most challenging of times.
“In this extraordinary year defined by the pandemic, the response by Gettysburgians—here on campus and around the world—has been nothing short of inspiring. Gettysburgives is yet another shining example of how this community steps up for one another,” said Tres Mullis P’23, vice president for College Advancement.
Reunion pride
A total of 405 alumni honored their graduation milestones by participating in this year’s Reunion Challenge. Ultimately, the great Class of 1971 finished with the highest percentage of its classmates contributing to the sub-challenge—41 donors in all, representing 200% of their goal.
To commemorate their impressive showing, the Class of 1971 will have their class flag proudly flown atop the Cupola during their Reunion this fall. Congratulations, Class of '71 alumni!
Bullets batted leadoff
In December, the College hosted the Bullets Teams Challenge. It was the first time in Gettysburg’s history that this marquee athletics fundraising challenge was featured as a standalone event rather than part of the larger Gettysburgives Challenge.
The solo Bullets Teams Challenge proved to be a smashing success, garnering over 1,200 gifts totaling more than $173,000 in support of our athletic teams. It also awarded additional financial prizes for Bullet squads with the highest donor participation, specifically Volleyball, Women’s Soccer, and Swimming.
Gettysburgives highlights
- Music Education majors are stepping to a new first place tune with the highest participation among all majors.
- If we add up the distances between our international donors and the College, their gifts 'traveled' a combined 66,119 miles!
- Football stopped any motion from other Bullets teams with the highest alumni participation.
- A special shout out to the Class of 1996! They broke their full year giving record in just one day!
- 645 current and past parents and grandparents made a gift during the Challenge.
Thank you for your support
Gettysburg College would like to offer a special thanks to our generous Challenge sponsors: Bob ’83 and Janette Noddin; Julie Brickman Carr ’91, P’20, P’23 and Chris Carr ’90, P’20, P’23; Troy Cassel ’02 and Zeke Stokes; Mary Cowden ’71; Bill ’74 and Doreen Heyman P’13; Patrick Hill ’20; Wendy Rodenberger Kuppenheimer ’93; Cindy Holck McWilliams ’84 and Sandy McWilliams; Erin Attfield Quinlan ’98 and James Quinlan; Lorie P’15 and Rodd Ruland ’79, P’15; Barb and Barry Shaw ’65; and Tricia Smelter ’71.
And to all Challenge donors, your gift—no matter the amount—empowers this new generation of Gettysburg students to aspire to make a positive difference on campus, in their communities, and in society at large. Thank you to all who helped to make our biggest fundraising event of the year such a tremendous success, and for your continued support during this fund year.
Did you miss the Gettysburgives Challenge? Make your gift to Gettysburg College today.
