Franklin College 2025 Annual Day of Giving Announced
Franklin College will host its thirteenth annual Day of Giving Challenge, #GivetoGRIZ, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
The money raised will support the Franklin Fund, which gives the college the opportunity to direct funds to parts of the budget that call for critical, immediate support. Donors may also choose to direct their gifts to a specific area of the college, such as student scholarships, academic programs, experiential learning, student recruitment, digital fluency, or diversity & inclusion.
“Every gift makes a meaningful difference, helping us align our mission with our goals and provide essential resources for our students,” said Nora Brems, vice president for institutional advancement. “GivetoGRIZ is a special opportunity to come together for a day featuring team spirit, celebration and collaboration. It’s an especially great day to be a Grizzly.”
The goal is to raise $250,000 to support the college’s highest priorities through the Franklin Fund, with at least 1,000 donors making a gift on April 16.
Those wishing to give during #GivetoGRIZ will find the URL to do so via the college’s website, www.FranklinCollege.edu, and social media platforms during the 24-hour fundraising event.
The college is planning to use social media, especially Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Bluesky to market this 24-hour fundraising effort, as well as email and other college communication formats.
The day’s events include:
From Austria with Love: Casey Hayes' Musical #GivetoGRIZ Virtual Hour from noon to 1 p.m.:
Join us for an unforgettable virtual event hosted by Casey Hayes, Ph.D., Franklin College professor, A.J. Thurston Endowed Chair of Music and international admissions representative, broadcasting live from Austria. This unique lunch hour experience will transport you from your office to the heart of Europe's musical capital creating an international bridge between alumni across the globe. Don't miss this rare opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and experience the transcendent power of music to unite our community across continents.
Pulliam School of Journalism Virtual Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m.:
Unwind and reconnect at our Virtual Happy Hour hosted by John Krull, director of the Pulliam School of Journalism, publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, and professor of journalism. Join fellow alums and PSJ faculty for laughs, memories and great conversation. Bring your favorite drink and get ready for a fun time.
FC Mercado - Spanish Language Market from 6:45-8:45 p.m., Branigin Room East, Napolitan Student Center or Facebook Livestream:
Hosted by Dan Alsop, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish, and Sara Colburn, Ph.D., professor of Spanish, this lively, family-friendly event offers a fun and interactive way to practice Spanish. Enjoy engaging games, activities, sweet treats for kids, and delicious snacks for all. Don't miss out on the excitement.
Registration for each event is available at alumni.franklincollege.edu/events.
New this year is the Greek Alumni Challenge. The initiative invites fraternity and sorority alumni to reconnect with their chapters by donating during #GivetoGRIZ, with participation percentages directly contributing to their student chapter's Greek Week standing. This exciting new initiative not only strengthens the bond between alumni and current members but also creates a meaningful way for graduates to help their chapters compete for Greek Week victory through their generous support.
Elwood Staffing is a major sponsor of the campaign this year.
The one-day giving challenge began in 2013 with a successful effort, earning the Division of Institutional Advancement a Silver Award in their district from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Each year the college has met and exceeded its goal. Last year was the most successful #GivetoGRIZ to date for the college, raising $320,659 from 1,112 donors.
Those having questions about the one-day challenge or sponsorship opportunities may contact Nicole Cunningham, director of development and corporate engagement by phone at (317) 738-8755 or by email at ncunningham@FranklinCollege.edu.
Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential liberal arts and sciences institution located 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. Franklin offers a wide array of undergraduate majors as well as master’s degree programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. The unique curriculum merges classroom instruction with immersive experiences, research opportunities and study away programs. Students participate in 22 NCAA Division III sports, esports, Greek life, musical and theatre productions and more than 40 student organizations. As the first college in Indiana to become coeducational with the admission of women, Franklin welcomes diversity of thought, belief and person into a community that values equity and inclusion. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association with the American Baptist Churches USA. For more information, visit www.FranklinCollege.edu. Connect with us on social media. Like Franklin College on Facebook, follow @FranklinCollege on X and @franklincollege.bsky.social on BlueSky, and catch our latest content on TikTok at FranklinCollegeGrizzlies.