Columbia College topped the leaderboard during the fifth annual Columbia Giving Day, a 24-hour University-wide event to support schools and programs throughout the University, that took place on October 26. More than 1,863 donors gave $3,468,299 to the College to support financial aid, internships, student services and the Core Curriculum, earning an additional $58,244 in matching funds from University Trustees. 

By encouraging friendly competition among schools and programs and cultivating a sense of unity for a common cause, Columbia Giving Day once again showcased Columbians’ sense of community. Donations totaled a record-breaking $14.5 million across all schools, more than 37 percent of which was raised by 3,308 College alumni, parent and student gifts. 

“This Columbia Giving Day proved to be our best yet,” said James J. Valentini, dean of Columbia College and vice president for undergraduate education. “Thank you to all who participated in making the greatest undergraduate experience even better by supporting financial aid, internships, student services and the Core Curriculum.”

Donors also contributed to Columbia College's first-ever crowdfunding projects, The Center for Career Education's Clothing Closet and the Young Alumni Scholarship. Because of ongoing support, the Center for Career Education will be able to loan additional business suits for students to wear to job interviews and career fairs, enhancing their professional look and bolstering their confidence. The Young Alumni Scholarship is harnessing the collective effort of the young alumni community to create a new scholarship for a current student. So far, 486 young alumni have contributed to this ongoing initiative.