U-M celebrates a decade of Giving Blueday

By Eric Gallippo

On its 10th Giving Blueday, the University of Michigan community rallied together to give nearly $5.3 million to support students, research, medicine, the arts, athletics, and more. Gifts came from more than 11,500 donors across the U.S. and around the world, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, and friends of the university and were made to all three campuses and Michigan Medicine. The university's annual day of giving, held on March 13 this year, was extended until noon the following day due to technical difficulties that may have prevented some donors from making a gift through the giving website.

Launched in 2014, Giving Blueday has received almost 100,000 donations totaling over $52 million in the last 10 years. On Giving Blueday 2023, more than 11,200 donors gave over $5.3 million.

“The fact that we have been doing this for a decade now speaks volumes about the energy and passion of our community and its commitment to supporting all of the things that make Michigan the special place that it is. We’re grateful that people recognize the important work we are doing on our campuses and around the world,” said Tom Baird, vice president for development.

The unit receiving the most gifts through the Giving Blueday website this year was the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, while the student organization that received the most gifts was MRacing Formula SAE.

With an emphasis on the impact of gifts of all sizes, Giving Blueday has been an entry point for new donors looking to make a difference at U‑M and who come back every year. Julie Sarne (AB ’16, MBA ’22) first learned about Giving Blueday while attending the university. As an undergrad from a proud U‑M family, getting involved was an easy decision and the start of an annual tradition.

“When I first learned about a new, coordinated day to bring Michigan supporters together, I was all in,” Sarne said. “I didn't have much to give, but I knew starting to give back and establishing a habit of paying it forward were important. Giving Blueday is my annual reminder to support scholarships and programs that make Michigan more accessible and impactful.”

Another big draw every year are student organizations, many of which depend on the funding to help cover the costs of projects, supplies, and competitions. More than 140 student organizations raised funds this year, including the Engineering Global Honors Program, UM-Dearborn’s MASA, and UM-Flint’s Women's Soccer.

Alumna Claire Bartosic (AB ’18) first participated in Giving Blueday as a student and member of the Women’s Club Water Polo team, which she has continued to support since 2014. 

“It’s important to me to help support and maintain the student organization that made such an impact on me and my time at Michigan,” Bartosic said.

For fellow loyal Giving Blueday donor Heather Dichter (AB ’00), U‑M’s annual day of giving is a yearly chance to support areas of the university that have meant the most to her education and career. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also just fun.

“I like the excitement and seeing the responses on social media,” Dichter said. “Even though I know I'm one of thousands of alumni and friends that donate on that day, the acknowledgment makes it fun, and I like being part of it.”

Dichter received funding from the History Department and LSA Honors College as an undergraduate, and the Bentley Historical Library to conduct research for a book as an alumna. Today, as a professor in England, she makes a point of giving to all three each year on Giving Blueday.

“It really is about giving back and supporting those organizations that supported me,” she said. “I like the opportunity to help those units increase their fundraising, and I hope that other students get the same great opportunities that I had.”

Dichter is also a fan of Giving Blueday’s many hourly and daylong challenges, which help donations go further by unlocking additional funds (“I felt like I finally did it!” she said of recently helping one make its goal). Nineteen such challenges were offered this year, including the Cuteness Overload challenge and Raise the Bar challenge.

“Every little bit counts and helps support the university,” she said. “If everyone gives $5, that really adds up. In many ways, those smaller donations can make a real difference if it is a specific project that a unit is looking to fund.”