Published on March 23, 2026  
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Samford University’s annual giving campaign was a success, raising critical resources to advance scholarships, programs and operations across the university. This year the annual fundraising event was extended to a 72-hour celebration, creating more opportunities to connect with the students, alumni, parents, employees and friends who make Samford’s mission possible.

“We are encouraged by the response of all those who came together to support Samford over this 72-hour campaign,” said Betsy Holloway, vice president for marketing and advancement. “Samford Giving Days further affirmed a strong sense of unity within our community. So many people chose to participate, and their generosity speaks volumes.”

Samford’s 2026 Giving Days saw more than 1,100 donors make contributions to the university. Each of the three days emphasized different segments within the Samford community, resulting in deeper engagement than the previous 24-hour campaigns. The nearly $220,000 raised this year will support scholarships, campus and academic initiatives, athletics, global engagement and more.

Donor-based challenges and dollar-for-dollar matches helped achieve the sum. The campaign allowed donors to share why they give to Samford and to make donations in honor or in memory of others. One in every five dollars needed to operate Samford comes from the generosity of donors, so every gift made on Samford Giving Days made an impact.

“The way our alumni, families, students, employees and friends came together shows a shared belief in the life-changing work happening here,” Holloway said. “We are truly grateful for each gift, and we trust the Lord to multiply this generosity for the good of our students now, and always.”

GIVE: Missed Giving Days? You can still donate to Samford.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.