RowanGIVES Day 2020 sets new fundraising record

Rowan University held its sixth annual RowanGIVES Day on March 5—a day-long event that celebrated the spirit of philanthropy alongside an immeasurable amount of #ProfPride.

This year marked the highest grossing RowanGIVES Day to date, raising more than $130,000.

The annual program typically includes a special WGLS-FM broadcast from Chamberlain Student Center as well as unique challenges to garner support for programs across Rowan’s three campuses; however, a unique addition to the 2020 celebration included an exciting twist: a scavenger hunt competition between President Ali Houshmand and Provost Tony Lowman.

Consisting of five challenges to be completed in one hour, the hunt encompassed the Glassboro campus, beginning at Domino’s Pizza on Rowan Boulevard and ending at the Student Center Pit. Challenges included taking a picture with the Henry Rowan statue, shooting hoops in Esby gym with Athletic Director John Giannini, posing for selfies with students in Rowan gear, finding a hidden bottle of hot sauce inside Hollybush mansion and more.

 “It was a lot of fun, and there was no way I wasn’t winning,” said the always-competitive Houshmand, who arrived back at the Student Center first. “It was one of the most exciting RowanGIVES Day events that I’ve been privileged to be a part of.”

As the scavenger hunt winner, Houshmand challenged Lowman to make a gift, and the Provost generously donated $2,500 to the Student Emergency Fund. “I couldn’t imagine a more fun way to encourage philanthropy,” said Lowman. “In about 20 minutes, I interacted with almost every group on campus—it was an extraordinary experience.”

Truly challenging

This year’s giving challenges were designed to rally campus and community spirit in order to unlock matching funds for various groups and programs. Among some of the most popular were the competitive Bo Niland ’80 Athletics challenges, which included teams creating hype videos and alumni donors supporting their favorite sport; the social media challenge, encouraging 250 shares of the hashtag #RowanGIVES to support the Wellness Center; and the New Jersey alumni challenge, awarding bragging rights to the region (North, Central or South) with the most alumni support.

“We really tried to put an emphasis on inclusivity this year when it came to the challenges, the programs we were advocating for and even the outlets in which you could give,” said Amie Marshall, Associate Director of Annual Giving. “We incorporated club sports for the first time, allowed donors who gave through Venmo to choose their area of support and added the scavenger hunt to illustrate the fun behind a good cause.”

Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Rowan University Foundation R.J. Tallarida, Jr. added, “While we have set goals for donors, challenges and overall funds raised, participation is really all we’re asking for. We invite everyone to be part of the day whether it’s in the form of a gift, volunteering your time or supporting the initiative on social media.”

To end the event’s most successful run in it’s six-year history, Houshmand donated $3,000 to support student scholarships.

“To anyone who has the ability to give—please do so,” he said. “There is nothing more important than supporting our students’ education, our leaders of the future.”

As part of a larger initiative, RowanGIVES Day notably impacted the $120 million goal of the institution’s first comprehensive campaign, Rising: The Campaign for Rowan University. Students, alumni, family and friends may still contribute to that goal by visiting rowan.edu/rising.