McPherson College’s Power Day 2023 met all the goals set for the annual online giving day, raising $330,000 for scholarships and programs. In its ninth year, more than 350 alumni and friends of the college made gifts that helped unlock five matching challenges that totaled over $90,000.
This year’s matching challenges included:
- $50,000 from the Paul Family for the MC Fund and academics
- $12,500 from Young Alumni
- $10,000 from Jeff Slagle for Automotive Restoration
- $10,000 from Equity Bank for Athletics
- $10,000 from the Board of Trustees
“Power Day is not only a day of giving but a time for the McPherson College community to celebrate and remember what McPherson College means to us,” Dave Barrett, director of Power Day, said. “This is the place where many of us were allowed to grow, learn life lessons both in and out of the classroom, and meet forever friends. Power Day is an opportunity for our alumni and friends to make an investment in the next generation of MC students, allow them to have their own unique MC experience, and recognize what makes this place so special.”
The one-day giving blitz featured live and pre-recorded video messages throughout the day on the college’s social media channels and website. Leading up to Power Day, alumni were encouraged to share stories about the community they built at McPherson College that continues today.
“I had the privilege of playing basketball at Mac with two amazing people who became lifelong friends,” said Angelina Froese, a 2009 graduate. “That’s what McPherson College’s environment does, introduces you to great people and encourages its students to build relationships. For that, I’ll forever be grateful I chose McPherson College and be proud to be a Bulldog.”
Although the focus of Power Day is online giving, Barrett said it is also a day to reconnect with friends and communicate why it is important to support the next generation of students through scholarships.
“As we look to continue our tradition of successful fundraising, it will take all levels of donor support,” President Michael Schneider said. “Power Day is one demonstration of our alumni and friends stepping up to make an immediate impact on our students through robust scholarships and innovative programs like the Student Debt Project.”
More information about Power Day, including all the day’s videos, can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/power.