WASHINGTON - American University's Annual Giving Day is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, February 25-26, and AU Athletics is poised as always to rise to the challenge. Every year, the AU community comes together during the 36-hour AU Giving Day with one goal: to support our nearly 300 student-athletes.

In 2025, behind the combined support of 2,558 donors, Athletics led all departments at the University by raising a total of $404,996 during the Giving Day campaign, smashing previous records for yet another year. The University as a whole raised $572,934, with Athletics accounting for over 70 percent of the dollars raised. The number of donors for Athletics accounted for nearly 74 percent of the total 3,511 donors for the University during Giving Day.

Giving Day is an opportunity for everyone to support Athletics and their favorite sports programs at AU. Alumni-athletes, alumni, families, staff and coaches, student-athletes, and friends who are interested in making their mark on AU Athletics are encouraged to participate in the day of giving and support. 

"Giving Day fuels opportunity," said Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro. "It strengthens the student-athlete experience, supports our coaches and programs, and enhances our ability to recruit, train, and win. The Athletics Challenge adds another layer of energy, inspiring teams and alumni networks to rally their supporters and embrace the competitive spirit that defines us. Every gift counts, and every donor matters; you are part of a collective effort that makes a measurable difference."

To make a gift, and to track our Giving Day progress, please visit aueagles.com/givingday.

Athletics Challenge

The $25,000 Athletics Donor Challenge is BACK! Sponsored by Eagles Leadership Council Member Tom Ugast '80 Swim & Dive Alumnus - all teams are competing for bonus funding based on the following criteria:

• $10,000 to program with MOST DOLLARS
• $5,000 to program with MOST DONORS
• $5,000 to program with the largest dollar single gift on Giving Day
• $2,500 to 2nd place DOLLARS
• $2,500 to program with most *new* donors

If you would like to make a challenge gift for Giving Day, or have Giving Day questions, please contact Lindsey Campbell, Chief Development Officer, at lindseyc@american.edu.

Additional Challenges/Matches Secured (as of Feb. 23)

• When 3,500 Eagles make a gift this AU Giving Day, we'll unlock $100,000 from the Parent Leadership Council in support of students most pressing needs.
• Coach CJ Murphy will unlock at $250 gift to Spirit Program when 25 alumni give to Spirit.
• Teddy Ringelheim BA '68 will match all gifts to Athletics Funds, up to $50,000.
• Tom Ugast '80 will unlock a $2,500 gift to Swim and Dive when we reach 120 donors.
• George "Cookie" Reed-Dellinger BSBA '69, MBA '71 will match all gifts to Men's Soccer, up to $5,000.
• David Legge BSBA '74 and Becky Legge BA '74 will match all gifts to Track and Cross Country, up to $10,000.
• An Anonymous donor will match all gifts to Wrestling, up to $10,000.
• Coach Lindsay Teeters will unlock at $1,000 gift to Lacrosse when 25 alumni give.
• Coach Kelly Killion will unlock a $500 gifts when 25 WBB Alumni Give to Women's Basketball.