March 13, 2025

By Logan Sweet ’15

Susquehanna surpassed its donor goal during OneSU, the university’s annual Day of Giving, on March 12.

Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of Susquehanna made gifts to the areas of campus most meaningful to them, from academics, athletics and student scholarships to a variety of campus initiatives and university priorities. In total, 1,388 donors raised more than $432,000 to support the student experience at Susquehanna.

“The generosity of the Susquehanna University community continually inspires me. Every gift and act of participation during OneSU is a bold step on our shared journey — a journey to honor our cherished traditions and pave the way for future generations,” said Shelby Haddock, director of the Susquehanna University Fund. “Your support fuels SU’s mission, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of such a dedicated and passionate community.”

Gifts support full Susquehanna experience

OneSU donors contributed to a vast array of university designations. Each academic department within Susquehanna’s four schools received gifts, with cumulative support totaling more than $50,000. This funding will support technology and equipment upgrades, help students attend conferences and complete research projects, and more.

Each of Susquehanna’s 23 NCAA teams and club sports also received donations, with $47,000 raised to support student-athletes and to continue fostering their leadership development, team-building skills, and successes on and off the field.

Nearly 100 donors chose to support student scholarships, which will help Susquehanna continue to provide dedicated access to all deserving students, regardless of their families’ financial means. Funding challenges were offered by Nancy Davis ’61 and Sue Davis ’66 who generously donated $17,500, and Donald ’70 and Darcy ’72 Hamlin who contributed $15,000.

Other areas of campus that received significant support from OneSU donors were the Global Opportunities program, the Blough-Weis Library and women’s athletics. The Student Success Fund received over $16,000 to help provide essential support like tutoring and mentoring services, wellness initiatives and enhanced educational programming. Susquehanna’s mental wellness fund received more than $42,000 in contributions, thanks in part to a $25,000 challenge gift made by alumnus Bill Loss ’91.

Gifts were made by Susquehannans living throughout the United States and in Canada and Europe, highlighting Susquehanna’s global footprint. Donors’ class years spanned 65 years, with gifts being made by alumni who graduated from 1959 to 2024.

Current students were also able to support areas of campus meaningful to them. Thanks to a donation by Lisa Ryan ’78 Burke, a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, the first 25 students who participated in a special cash cab Susquehanna-themed trivia game each designated $200 to their favorite academic department, athletic team, student organization or campus initiative.

Because the university surpassed its goal of 1,300 donors, a $30,000 challenge gift was made by members of the Susquehanna University Alumni Board.