This Giving Day, donors to the School of Public Health showed their love and support, leading to the school’s biggest ever day of donations by far.
More than 300 donors stepped up to support a variety of important causes and initiatives within the school, with commitments totaling more than seven times the amount of 2024’s Giving Day, for a record total of $727,293. UMD as a whole raised over $5.3M.
“These gifts to SPH will transform lives,” Lushniak said. “They will enable brilliant students from tough economic situations to get a Maryland education. They will help ensure that our graduates are ready to lead in doing public health good. I am so grateful, and I hope all of our donors see the impact of their gift, because it's huge.”
In the friendly competition among UMD schools, colleges and organizations, SPH blazed its way to the top of the leaderboard, finishing second in total donations, along with a host of accolades. SPH also took home Giving Day challenge prizes for the first gift of the day and the My Maryland Photo Challenge to the Cockley Gymkana Endowment Fund, and SPH Development Program Manager Gretchen MacNeill’s adorable future Terps won a prize in the Tiny Terps contest. The school also exceeded match challenges from Lushniak and his wife Dr. Patricia Cusumano, as well as Founding Dean Dr. Bob S. Gold and his wife Barbara, who together added $11,000 to the gifts this year.
A multi-year pledge from SPH Dean's Council member Cory Easton '85 was the most significant part of SPH's Giving Day success. Cory and his family made their first major commitment to UMD in establishing a Maryland Promise Program scholarship for students in SPH. It is the largest gift to date to support SPH students in the program.
Assistant Dean for Development Heidi Sweely reflected on the success of the day. "Our donors are loyal and fearless ambassadors for public health. This is a community that is stronger together and cares deeply about the well-being of each individual. Our donors understand that contributions of any size make a difference to our students, faculty and staff. The level of support this year is sending an encouraging message to our teams, bringing smiles to faces, and high fives in the halls. Thank you to our donors for inspiring this joy."
Lushniak concurred. “As public health has been faced with challenges, I am heartened -- but not surprised -- that our donors have stepped up,” said SPH Dean Boris Lushniak. “We have a special community that supports each other and pays it forward, and you can see that thread run through our school on Giving Day and every day.”