In a whirlwind of activity during 36 hours, the 7th annual UR Here Giving Day made history. The number of Spiders who donated increased, and the highest amount was raised to date. An unprecedented 4,800-plus donors from 50 states and 17 countries came together to help UR raise a record $2.8 million.

“We are so grateful to the Spider community for making the overwhelming success of this year's UR Here Giving Day possible,” said Vice President of Advancement Martha Callaghan. “This record-breaking achievement shows the incredible impact we can have when we come together as a community to support Richmond.”

UR Here Giving Day special events, which occurred from April 9 to 10, included an on-campus celebrations, alumni happy hours in 12 cities, and special receptions with President Kevin F. Hallock in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Red Bank, New Jersey. Donors documented their locations with photos and oversized “UR Here” map pins, banners, and stickers, reinforcing the theme that wherever Spiders may roam, they will always be a part of campus.

Donors could direct their funds to four impact areas (Academic Excellence, Access and Affordability, Spider Athletics, and Student Experience), the 2025 UR Annual Fund’s greatest needs, or to specific schools, teams, or other areas.

Of the four impact areas, Spider Athletics received the most donations, totaling $1,281,606 from 2,574 donors.

"We're extremely fortunate to have a strong tradition of support for our Athletics program at Richmond," said Vice President and Director of Athletics John Hardt. "The record-shattering results from this year's Giving Day are a great example of how many of our fans, friends, and family members are committed to providing our Spider student-athletes with the very best opportunities and experiences.”

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies Dean’s Impact Fund raised the highest amount among the five UR schools. The funds will support student research, travel to conferences and academic competitions, class field trips, faculty fellowships, and the Gary L. McDowell Institute programming, which promotes the exchange of diverse perspectives on some of today’s most pressing issues.

“The Jepson School’s success at UR Here Giving Day is a tribute to the strength of our community and our academic excellence. Our students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends recognize the intrinsic value of a leadership education that prepares tomorrow’s leaders,” said Jepson School Dean Sandra Peart. “I am so grateful to everyone who donated to the Jepson School to ensure we can continue to offer the nation’s premier undergraduate leadership studies education.”  

Ongoing support is necessary, said Callaghan. “Loyal and generous support from the Spider community on an annual basis is critical to fueling our students, faculty, and programs.”