This year’s LovEMU Giving Day was an out-of-the-park grand slam, and we’re not just talking about the one hit by a Royals slugger at Wednesday’s baseball game.

The eighth annual giving day extravaganza, held on Wednesday, April 10, was bigger than previous years — featuring a number of new events that amped up the LovEMU spirit — and raised more money than ever before. A total of $340,512 was raised throughout the 24-hour event, cruising past the $325,000 goal set by organizers and eclipsing the $300,915 raised last year (a 13% increase).  

“I am blown away by the support from this community,” said LovEMU organizer Nicole Litwiller ’19, MA ’20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. “Not only did we raise over $340,000, which is in itself a massive accomplishment, but we also saw the EMU community (from current students, to alumni, to faculty and staff) show up for this day to make each event special and full of joy.”

EMU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends shared what they loved most about EMU online (using the #EMUGivingDay and #StrongerTogether hashtags) and on campus. They showed up and showed out at LovEMU Giving Day events held throughout the day. And, they gave like never before, unlocking all $125,000+ of challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, and Royal Women for EMU.

This year saw the return of the leaderboard competition. For every $10 donation they made, supporters could vote for an academic program, student club/organization and athletic team. The winners of those categories — Music (85 votes), The Weather Vane (37 votes), and Men’s Soccer (192 votes) — each won $1,000. View the second-place and third-place winners, which received $500 and $250, on the LovEMU website at .

Here’s a recap of the events and unlocked challenges that made LovEMU Giving Day 2024 a smashing success:

Events

Inspired by the ’80s theme in our leading up to the event, folks at EMU showed up to campus looking like they just left an aerobics workout class — think teased hair, neon blue eyeshadow and neon windbreakers, warm-up jackets, legwarmers and headbands — while rocking out to hits from the decade.

Those attending the morning’s pep rally got a sweet start to their day with doughnuts (each representing the cost of an EMU education that donors cover). The EMU pep band added electricity to the first-ever LovEMU pep rally, while emcees Braydon Hoover ‘11, MA ‘21 (organizational leadership) and Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mayor Deanna Reed pumped up the crowd. 

An alumna, a current student and an admitted student each shared what they love about EMU. Nora Osei ’15, an EMU basketball and soccer player who now works as director of growth and partnerships for Nike Sports Camps, shared her tips for finding success. “You don’t have to be a standout athlete or student at EMU to find success,” she told the crowd. EMU senior psychology major and multi-sport athlete Kate Landis talked about the highlights of her last four years at EMU. Admitted student Megan Smith said she had visited 10 other colleges and did not consider EMU as a possibility. But, after seeing the clean campus, enjoying the good food at the dining hall and learning about the strong nursing program, she said EMU felt like home. “My mom and I got back into our car and we looked at each other and said, ‘This is the right place,’” said Smith.

Then, for a memorable moment from the day as President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman donned safety glasses and a poncho in preparation for a pie to the face. Because we surpassed our goal set in the We’ve Got Spirit Challenge, we unlocked $10,000 to The University Fund and got the honor of watching Herm pie the president. As it turns out, Herm has great aim! Watch a of the pep rally on the EMU Facebook page. 

Following the pep rally, a team of faculty and staff faced off against students in ���DZ����ѱ�’s first-ever game of dodgeball. The faculty/staff team left the court victorious after one game. Yoder Arena’s courts then opened up for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and the climbing wall. 

Also new this year was the addition of Admitted Student Day to the LovEMU Day and SGA Day festivities. More than 20 admitted students visited the campus for the day, taking tours, learning about programs at the University Fair and panel discussions and participating in the spirited LovEMU events. It was, what President Huxman called, “a trifecta day.” When Herm was asked about how the day was going, he gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

About 475 people soaked in the spring sunshine and enjoyed food, fun and fellowship at the Lunch & Lawn Party held on Thomas Plaza. They played lawn games on the grass and competed in contests such as the egg toss.

As mentioned at the beginning of our recap, Wednesday’s baseball game featured a grand slam from utility player Alex Gulisano as the Royals defeated the Fighting Squirrels of Mary Baldwin in a 12-2 drubbing. Another highlight of the game was infielder Ethan Spraker’s inside-the-park home run. The game drew a large crowd, who enjoyed treats from the Ott Street Eats food truck courtesy of the SGA.

Hundreds of people from all ages and backgrounds celebrated the funds rolling in at a barbecue cookout held in the evening in front of the University Commons. Grillmaster Dennis Showalter ’73, president of the Alumni Council, served up fresh burgers and hot dogs. The Rain Pickers, a trio of strings musicians and EMU alumni, performed live music while hungry Royals chowed down. Pioneer College Caterers provided their services for lunch and dinner.

The LovEMU energy continued well into the night, fueled by a karaoke sing-off contest judged by Professor Daniel Showalter, Security Officer Elizabeth Jones, Mayor Reed and Herm. Each of the winning clubs received $100! International Students Organization (ISO) won Most Engaging/Best All-Around, Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA) won Most EMU Love, and Queer Student Alliance (QSA) and Latino Student Alliance (LSA) split the winnings from the Best Theme category. 

LovEMU Giving Day came to a close with a biscuits and jam bar and live music from talented musicians in the Student Union. Litwiller said a highlight of her day came when time was nearing midnight in the Student Union with several students who stuck it out. “When we surpassed $340,000, cheers erupted, Tyler Goss started playing ‘We Are the Champions’ over the speakers, and everyone sang along in celebration,” Litwiller said. “It was a beautiful moment to be a part of, and reminded me of why we do this work: To support these amazing students. I’m filled with gratitude today.”

Challenges

Early Challenge: Before the day even started, the gifts came rolling in. We received at least 100 gifts before the start of LovEMU Giving Day to unlock $10,000 to student scholarships. 120+ out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Loyal Royal Challenge: EMU alumni gave more than 250 gifts over the 24-hour span to best the goal set for this challenge and unlock $15,000 to The University Fund. 252 out of 250 gifts needed were given!

Stronger Together Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to EMU by making at least 175 gifts throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 to student scholarships. 202 out of 175 gifts needed were given!

Future Royal Challenge: Because 15 prospective students attending LovEMU Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $15,000 to The University Fund.

Wake Me Up Before You Give-Give Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving 75 gifts between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

We’ve Got Spirit Challenge: The EMU faithful showed their Royal pride during the pep rally by giving 50 gifts between 10 and 11 a.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund (as well as a chance to watch Herm pie the president). 54 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Rally with Royal Women Challenge: Royal Women for EMU, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, raises direct financial aid for students who want to attend EMU. President Huxman matched every dollar donated up to $9,000 in this challenge between noon and 3 p.m. A total of $21,632.70 was raised during this challenge! 

The Roar Heard ’Round the World Challenge: Donors joined Herm in letting their love for EMU be heard all around the world by awarding 75 gifts between 5 and 7 p.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

What’s Love Got to Do With It Challenge: Loving EMU is not a secondhand emotion. Because we received 50 gifts between 7:30 and 9 p.m., we unlocked $10,000 to student scholarships. 52 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Carrie Us to Midnight Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for EMU sports and Athletics Director Carrie Bert by pitching in 100 donations between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $10,000 to the Athletics Annual Fund. 119 out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared of their time to tell us how you LovEMU, and joined in the festivities on campus!

For more photos from the day’s events, swipe through our below:

It’s clear throughout history that we are all, and have always been, “Stronger Together” as a team. As our rallying cry for the eighth annual on Wednesday, April 10, we invite you to join us in supporting EMU to prove we are truly “Stronger Together.”

Participate in our 24-hour giving day extravaganza, in which alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends come together to support and celebrate the wonderful university we all love. Help us set a new record! Last year, we raised $300,915 from donors giving 844 gifts. With your help, we can all make a difference by contributing to even more scholarships and financial aid packages, direct faculty and staff support, DEI initiatives and more!

Plenty of events are scheduled to show off your Royal pride and unleash your LovEMU spirit. Follow our live interviews and coverage throughout the day on our EMU , hosted by Nicole Litwiller ’19, MA ’20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. Tag #LovEMU, #EMUGivingDay and #StrongerTogether in your social media posts and tell your friends and family about LovEMU Giving Day. 

Events

LovEMU Pep Rally
10:10-11 a.m. | Yoder Arena
Jump-start your morning with an hour of EMU spirit, storytelling and a chance to watch Herm pie President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman in the face. Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme will be provided beforehand. This event will be livestreamed.

Student vs. Faculty/Staff Dodgeball
11-11:30 a.m. | Yoder Arena
Students and faculty/staff face off in a friendly game of dodgeball. 

Choose Your Own Adventure Activities
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | University Commons
Add some activity to your afternoon. The climbing wall and pickleball and basketball courts will be open, with arts and crafts available and a university fair open to prospective students.

Lunch & Lawn Party
Noon-2 p.m. | Thomas Plaza
EMU leaders and administrators show their student appreciation by flipping burgers behind the grill. In addition to a lunch, free to all students and prospective students, attendees can play lawn games and win prizes.

LovEMU, LoveYourself
2-4 p.m. | UC Student Union
Stop by the LovEMU Hub at the Hall of Nations for various self-care activities, including snacks.

Baseball game
4 p.m. | EMU Baseball Field
Cheer on the Royals as they take on Mary Baldwin University.

LovEMU Cookout
5:30-7:30 p.m. | UC Parking Lot
Live music, free food and celebration — what’s not to love? This event is free and open to the public. Please so we’ll know how much food to prepare.

Karaoke Sing-Off
8-9:30 p.m. | UC Student Union
Show off your pipes while competing for a chance to win $100 for your favorite club at EMU. Both solo and group singers are welcome. Judges will crown their favorites in three categories: Best Theme, Most EMU Love, and Most Engaging/Best All-Around. Plus, everyone who performs gets a free small Common Grounds drink.

Late Night Jammin’
10:30-Midnight | UC Student Union
LovEMU Giving Day draws to a jazzy close with live music from EMU students and a biscuits and jam bar (hence the punny name).

Challenges

This year’s LovEMU Giving Day features more than $125,000 in challenge match funds from generous donors, split between full-day and timed challenges.

After a one-year hiatus, the leaderboard for athletic teams, academic programs and student organizations has returned. Donors who contribute a tax-deductible gift of $10 or more on LovEMU Giving Day can vote for a favorite team, program and organization. First, second and third place finishers from each category will receive between $250 and $1,000.

LovEMU Early Challenge (almost there!)
Help us reach our goal of receiving 100 gifts before LovEMU Giving Day to unlock an additional $10,000 toward the University Fund, our No. 1 student-centric fundraising priority.

Full-Day Challenges

Loyal Royal Challenge: If EMU alumni give 250 gifts, another $15,000 is unlocked to the University Fund. 

Stronger Together: Parents, students and all-around fans can show their love for all things EMU. If 175 non-alumni participate in LovEMU Giving Day, $15,000 will be unlocked for student scholarships.

Future Royal: For each prospective student who attends LovEMU Giving Day and pays their tuition deposit, another $1,000 is donated to the University Fund.

Timed Challenges

Wake Me Up Before You Give-Give
Time: 6-9 a.m.
Goal: 75 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the University Fund

We’ve Got Spirit
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Goal: 50 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the University Fund…and an opportunity to pie President Huxman!

Rally with Royal Women
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Goal: $9,000
Royal Women for EMU, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, is determined to raise direct financial aid for students wanting to attend EMU. President Huxman has pledged to match every dollar donated in this challenge up to $9,000 to help Royal Women achieve its goal.

The Roar Heard ‘Round the World
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Goal: 75 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the University Fund

What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Goal: 50 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 toward student scholarships

Carrie Us to Midnight
Time: 9 p.m.-Midnight
Goal: 100 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the Athletics Annual Fund

Other ways to get into the LovEMU spirit

Try “The Herm Sandwich”
From Monday, April 8, to Wednesday, April 10, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is offering The Herm Sandwich, a ham sandwich with “a Royal twist.” The sandwich consists of double-smoked ham or smoked tofu with barbecue sauce and Swiss dill coleslaw on pumpernickel bread. Lola’s will contribute $1 from every Herm Sandwich sold to the University Fund. 

Watch our video
As you may have noticed in our rad ’80s-inspired workout videos, we’ve been getting “Pumped Up” about LovEMU Giving Day and we hope you are, too! Check out a teaser below for our full LovEMU Giving Day video, which releases on Monday, April 8.

Thank you to the many departments and people who have lent their valuable skills and insights to LovEMU Giving Day. For more information about LovEMU events and challenges, visit .

Total contributions to EMU, including restricted gifts and grants, totaled $4,857,757 compared with $6,194,442 in 2009.

"The decrease in total giving is largely due to a windfall bequest of $1 million EMU received last year," noted EMU President Loren Swartzendruber. noted.

"In recent years, total philanthropic support has hovered around $5 million per year, so this past year has been more typical in that regard. Overall, it was a good year for EMU, especially given the continued softness of the economy," the president said.

Over $3 million in restricted gifts and bequests was contributed in support of special projects in both the undergraduate and graduate programs as well as for endowment.

According to Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for advancement, EMU received several substantial gifts that made the difference in total giving for the fiscal year.

"We successfully completed a $2.4 million theater and fine arts campaign with nearly $500,000 of these funds received during the 2009-10 fiscal year. This includes $146,000 that was contributed to establish a studio theater in memory of EMU alumnus Lee Eshleman," Shisler reported.

EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) was the recipient of several large grants this past year, including $200,000 in special project support from the Kellogg Foundation for the ", a program focused on racial reconciliation among descendants of slaves and slave owners.

EMU’s endowment fund also received a boost in new contributions of $667,000 during the year. Scholarship support for business and science students were among several program areas that benefited from these new contributions to the endowment fund.

"We are extremely grateful for the widespread support EMU received in what has been a very challenging economic environment for fundraising," Swartzendruber said.

Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for , reported that contributions of $1,764,000 to the set a new record, surpassing the 2006 annual fund total of $1,733,000 by nearly two percent. The University Fund supports student financial aid, funds for and other program budgets as well as the (CJP), Shisler noted.

Support for EMU’s undergraduate and graduate programs included $751,000 in endowment contributions and $2,599,210 in restricted grants and contributions. Included in the above totals was $220,000 in bequests and deferred gifts, Shisler noted.

“With the exception of 2006 in which several rather large endowment gifts were received, this was one of our strongest years in terms of endowment giving,” Shisler added.

CJP and Seminary Generate Large Gifts

Several of the larger gifts EMU received in 2006-07 were designated for The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and for Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

The Fulbright Program and Church World Service provided grants of $357,000 and $251,000, respectively, for scholarships and special projects of CJP.

Meanwhile, EMU’s seminary benefited from a gift of $208,000 from an individual donor to provide scholarship support to seminary students.

Alumni Continue to Give

According to Shisler, an area of continued emphasis is alumni giving.

“For several years now, the average total giving of alumni to the University Fund has increased quite steadily,” he noted. “In 2006-07, for example, average giving rose from $413 to $473, an increase of 14.5.

“However, we continue to address overall alumni participation in giving, which is currently around 30%,” Shisler said, adding: “We believe that participation will increase as we engage alumni more actively in the life of the institution.”

Included in the giving totals are contributions of $121,000 from 165 EMU faculty and staff who supported the university’s annual fund and other programs during the year.

“EMU is blessed with the support of many alumni and friends who care deeply about our mission,” said President Loren Swartzendruber. “Our intent is to be good stewards of the investments donors make toward the education of our students. In addition to significant financial support, we value the prayers of God’s people on our behalf.”