TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Sycamore Athletics raised $1,027,819 during Indiana State's eighth annual Give to Blue Day on Wednesday, April 15. The department led all entities on campus with record-setting donors and donations throughout the day in helping the University set a new mark of $2,358,584 in gifts over the 24-hour event.
 
"I want to express my gratitude to everyone who made this the most successful Give to Blue Day yet," said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. "Whether you participated in events on campus, supported our community partners, or made a gift from near or far, your generosity is deeply appreciated. The energy on campus, across the Wabash Valley, and from coast to coast has been inspiring, and your support will create transformative opportunities for our Sycamores by enhancing an already strong educational experience. Together, we continue to demonstrate the power of the Sycamore spirit, and together, we will continue shaping the future of Indiana State University."
 
Indiana State Athletics continued its success on the fundraising front with a record 1,013 donors, far surpassing the previous high of 685 total donors set last year on #GiveToBlue25. Through the generous gifts from alumni, donors, and fans, Indiana State Athletics surpassed its previous high of $574,865 raised back on March 16, 2022, during the fourth Annual Give To Blue Day.
 
"This year's Give to Blue Day was truly remarkable for Indiana State Athletics," said Indiana State Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen, "We saw record-breaking support in the number of donors, total gifts, and challenge contributions, which speaks volumes about the excitement and passion surrounding our programs. There is a real sense of momentum right now, our alumni and donor base are energized, engaged, and committed to helping our student-athletes succeed at the highest level. Huge thank you to everyone that was involved and supported our Sycamores."
 
The Athletic Department completed 39 different challenges on the day. Each of Indiana State's 14 athletic programs were successful with at least one challenge, while additional challenges aided the Strength & Conditioning program, Athletic Training, and The Forest.
 
Highlights from Give to Blue Day include Troy and Melissa Woodruff contributing $275,000 to volleyball, women's basketball, and the Athletic Department programs, while Mel Burks contributed $150,000 to the football team across three separate challenges. The Indiana State Track & Field John McNichols Memorial Track Project Fund also raised $160,000 through challenges and matching gifts throughout the day.
 
"Give to Blue Day continues to show what makes Indiana State special," said Associate Athletic Director for Development Tyson Baldwin. "To surpass $1 million and set a new record surpassing 1,000 donors is a direct reflection of the passion our alumni, fans, and community have for Sycamores Athletics. This support impacts every one of our student-athletes in their pursuit of championships. We are incredibly grateful and excited to build on this momentum!"
 
Various community partners throughout the Wabash Valley, many of which are alumni-owned businesses, participated in Give to Blue Day festivities by hosting special promotions, encouraging donations, and contributing a portion of sales to Indiana State Athletics. Among the local businesses included Roly Poly, Show-Me's Bar & Grill, Jersey Mike's, Tropical Smoothie Café, McDonald's, Texas Roadhouse, Qdoba, Chick-Fil-A, Mod Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, Azzip Pizza, Raising Cane's (Avon), Culver's, The Terminal, Bar_Botics, and Terre Haute Brewing Company.
 
"This was more than a record-breaking Give to Blue Day, it was a true community-wide effort," said Assistant Athletic Director for Sponsorships Corey Clark. "The level of engagement from our local partners and supporters speaks volumes about the pride and passion surrounding Indiana State Athletics and the impact we're building together."
 
A total of 2,481 donors, surpassing the original goal of 2,000, from all 50 states and five countries contributed during this digitally driven fundraising event. Nearly 250 social media ambassadors, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, shared links to give across their social platforms throughout the day.
 
Next year's Give to Blue Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2027.
 
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