Behind the combined support of 1,488 donors, American University Athletics led all departments at the University by raising a total of $322,288 during the annual 36-hour Giving Day on February 26-27. The record campaign raised over $100,000 more than in 2023, and was a massive success with all challenges unlocked and a true spirit of competition among the athletic programs.

The 1,543 total gifts came from 44 different states along with D.C. Athletics accounted for more than 68 percent of all dollars raised at the University during Giving Day, and for 60 percent of the total donors.

"The results of this year's Giving Day are off the charts," said Director of Athletics & Recreation Dr. Billy Walker. "I'm so proud of our entire athletics department—student-athletes, coaches, and staff—for rising to the occasion. I'm also incredibly thankful for our alumni, parents, staff, and friends of AU Athletics who stepped up and gave so generously. With the leadership of Athletics Chief Development Officer Lindsey Campbell for a second year, we shattered the records we broke just a year ago. The funds raised are truly transformational and will help ensure our student-athletes reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom."

The results of the competition between the teams saw wrestling come out on top with an incredible $64,412 raised, thanks to the support of 283 donors. Wrestling won an extra $15,000 for raising the most money and an extra $5,000 for having the most challenge and matching gifts, to put the final tally at $79,412 for the program in its third year under head coach Jason Borrelli.

With the most donors at 404, the spirit program earned an extra $5,000 and totaled over $20K overall. The men's basketball program raised the second-most dollars and earned a challenge prize of $2,500, putting its total at $40,227. The lacrosse team had the third-most dollars and received the same challenge gift, raising a total of $30,926.

I'm so proud of our entire athletics department—student-athletes, coaches, and staff—for rising to the occasion. I'm also incredibly thankful for our alumni, parents, staff, and friends of AU Athletics who stepped up and gave so generously.

"American Athletics 2024 Giving Day was fantastic," said Campbell. "Our passionate supporters answered the call and set a new Giving Day fundraising record for a second consecutive year. Many teams shattered their previous fundraising records. I'm very proud of AU Athletics' staff and coaches as well as our alumni, families, and friends for their outstanding effort in galvanizing support."

American University Athletics thanks all those who participated in making the 2024 Giving Day the most successful ever, and we look forward to raising the bar yet again in 2025.

To view the full results of Athletics 2024 Giving Day, click HERE.