- July 12, 2025
Bethune-Cookman University’s annual Day of Giving recently shattered records by raising $801,905 – a nearly 39% increase over what was collected during last year’s event.
On June 18, about 415 individual donors pledged to financially support student scholarships and enhance educational opportunities, such as internships, for current and future Wildcats. ‘The Big Give Back’ also generated funding for campus improvement projects.
“It’s amazing to see community friends unite with the Wildcat Nation by investing in Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s vision for a brighter future,” said Dr. Sherry Paramore, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “Not only does this shatter fundraising records but it paves the way to strengthen the foundation Dr. Bethune laid 120 years ago and empowers each young scholar with the fortitude to believe that anything is possible.”
This year’s Day of Giving also sparked friendly competition among organizations and alumni chapters — including challenges by graduation year — to see who could raise the most in just 24 hours. Out of five distinct categories, two Alumni Greek Life organizations led the way: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated raised more than any other group with $16,210, followed closely by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated with $12,484. Men’s football, the Marching Wildcats, and the South Florida Alumni Chapter also topped fundraising in their respective groups.
"At the end of the day it is about our students — many of whom come to Bethune-Cookman with the dream of becoming the first in their family to earn a college degree," Paramore said. "These dollars not only help break down financial barriers to that dream, but they’re also a powerful reminder that family can be built through shared purpose, not just genetics.”
While “The Big Give Back” has ended, people can still make a financial gifts by visiting www.Cookman.edu/Donate.
