BOSTON – For the third consecutive year, Boston University Giving Day proved to be a record-breaking event for the Department of Athletics as $1.29 million was raised in support of Terrier student-athletes on Wednesday, April 11.

Giving Day Chair Mary Buletza (Questrom '80) led the most successful fundraising effort in department history as alumni, parents, student-athletes and friends came together to break the department's previous Giving Day mark of $1,020,355, set in 2017.

"The continued support that Terrier Nation demonstrates regularly, and particularly on Giving Day each year, is nothing short of inspirational and humbling," Director of Athletics Drew Marrochello said. "It is my privilege to express our gratitude to everyone who made a contribution to the Department of Athletics on BU Giving Day 2018. To not only reach the $1 million mark again but exceed it by over 25 percent demonstrates the collective commitment of the Athletics community to continually enhance the first-class experience we offer our student-athletes."
 
This year's final tally represented a large portion of the $3,014,794 raised in total across campus. In fact, 5,777 unique gifts were made to varsity teams and club sport programs, representing 58 percent of all gifts made to the University. Another important milestone was reached for the first time ever, as 100 percent of current BU student-athletes participated by making a gift.

"For a number of years, Boston University has made an effort to cultivate a culture of philanthropy among alumni, parents, students and friends," Buletza said. "BU Athletics has been involved with and has supported the University in this important endeavor. I couldn't be more excited to make a difference in the experiences of Terrier student-athletes through Giving Day. The record-shattering success of the initiative shows the positive impact that the Athletics community can have."
 
A three-part challenge, issued by Tim Burr (MET '97) and an anonymous current parent, provided incentives to the teams with the most unique donors, most dollars raised and most improved in terms of unique donors over Giving Day 2017. Those winners are listed below.

MOST DOLLARS RAISED
Bracket 1: Men's Basketball and Women's Ice Hockey
Bracket 2: Men's Ice Hockey and Lightweight Rowing
Bracket 3: Men's Track & Field and Women's Tennis

MOST UNIQUE DONORS
1st place: Men's Rowing and Field Hockey
2nd place: Men's Lacrosse and Lightweight Rowing
3rd place: Men's Hockey and Women's Rowing
4th place: Men's Swimming & Diving and Women's Ice Hockey

MOST IMPROVED UNIQUE DONORS
Other sport-specific challenges, generously sponsored by alumni and parents, also provided an opportunity for teams to earn additional bonus funds. In total, 27 unique donor challenges were established as part of Giving Day 2018.
 
There is still time to make a gift to positively impact BU student-athletes prior to June 30 by visiting www.GoTerriers.com/Donate or by contacting the Terrier Athletics Fund at 617-353-3008 or terriers@bu.edu.
 
For a complete list of BU Giving Day results, please click here.