Giving Joy Day 2026 wrapped up with EWU receiving 365 gifts to support students, programs and other university needs.
Laura Thayer, Eastern’s associate vice president for philanthropy and campaign engagement, says it was a record-breaking year for the number of gifts to the university.
“I think that the gratifying story this year is the overwhelming participation of our Eastern community,” said Thayer, who also serves as interim executive director of the EWU Foundation. “We are really excited and grateful for that participation.”
Annual Giving’s two-person team, Linda Safford, senior director, and Sara Waugh, assistant director, made participating extra fun by creating gift challenges, matches and the “Swoop In and Make it Yours” naming campaign. A Thursday kickoff celebration at the Catalyst and festivities on Friday in Cheney provided the icing on the cupcake.
When gifts were counted on Monday, EWU’s philanthropy team announced that more than $403,000 had been raised.
Waugh reported that 295 employees, retirees, alumni and honorary Eagles made gifts to support these top funds:
- Student Emergency Fund: 63
- University Scholarship Fund: 56
- Theatre Excellence Fund: 53
- Eagle Athletic Fund: 29
- Prairie Restoration Project: 21
During both of the events, Margo Hill, director of the American Indian Studies Program and professor of Urban & Regional Planning, took to the podium to announce a generous $25,000 endowment created by Bill Youngs a professor of history at EWU, to support American Indian Studies’ students and programming.
Youngs, who has taught at Eastern for more than 50 years, took to the podium on Friday to share his personal journey with giving and inspire others to help. “Over the past few years, I’ve gotten to know the [EWU] foundation and some of its beneficiaries well,” he said. “I’ve seen how our contributions large and small contribute to the wellbeing of the university community.”
The PUB celebration also saw Kelsey Hatch-Brecek, director of alumni relations, emceeing as members of EWU’s cheer and choir, along with Swoop, made special appearances. Students representing a half dozen fraternities and sororities, meanwhile, showed their appreciation by tabling at the event – some sharing news of their recent volunteering efforts.
President Shari McMahan shared a few words, highlighting how Eastern has always been a place of access and opportunity and mentioning the university’s recent Carnegie Foundation designation that recognized EWU’s unique combination of high access and high earnings. “We transform lives, that is the bottom line,” she said.
McMahan said every gift matters, adding, “These generous donations might mean a student can stay in school, access an internship and feel a sense of belonging.”
ASEWU Vice President Johnny Curtis confirmed the role scholarships play in student success. “I can say with complete honesty that without the support of donors and fundraising efforts, I would not be standing here preparing to graduate this June,” Curtis said.
Safford emceed Thursday’s event, introducing ASEWU President Kira Urbina who shared her own heartfelt message.
“You aren’t just giving to a school; you are changing lives,” Urbina said. “Your generosity is the fuel behind our progress. Because of you, Eastern remains a place where learning by doing is a reality for everyone — and not just for a few.”
Brian Donahue, interim assistant dean of the College of Health Science and Public Health, hosted Thursday’s game of Password, with Swoop playing a supporting role.
Leaders from the four colleges squared off, including Jennifer Waldo (College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Michelle DenBeste (College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) representing Team Give and Shelly Shaffer (College of Professional Programs) and Dawn Lewis-Kinnunen (College of Health Science and Public Health) representing Team Joy.
Team Give took the win, and each college received an additional $144 as thanks for their participation in the game. Each “contestant” had the opportunity to designate that gift to the fund of their choosing.
Other Giving Joy Day highlights include:
- Proclamations from Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown and Cheney Mayor Elsa Martin.
- College of Professional Programs expanding the clothing closet to include classroom supplies.
- A scholarship in memory of Professor Emeritus John Mager to benefit business majors.
- A $30,000 scholarship fund to help football players in the School of Business.
- 50 Eastern employees, board members and associations “Swooped In” to name the following:
- More than a dozen university buildings.
- A dozen parking lots
- 10 picnic tables
- Three flagpoles
- Elevators, statues, restrooms, drinking fountains and even coffee makers
- Stay tuned as the naming signage goes up on May 1 and remains displayed through mid-June.
Thank you to everyone who made gifts, participated in activities and shared social media posts to help Eastern.
**Aaron Weer contributed to the photo gallery below.
