Wayne State celebrates record-breaking Giving Day, fueled by Warrior pride
Wayne State University’s Warrior pride was on full display April 10 during Giving Day 2025 — a record-breaking effort that united students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends in support of more than 100 campus causes.
Nearly 2,100 donors contributed more than $2.3 million to support scholarships, research, academic programs and other key initiatives aligned with the university’s Prosperity Agenda — a bold commitment to student mobility, urban health and regional innovation.
The total marks Wayne State’s most successful Giving Day to date.
"Our Wayne State University community once again demonstrated the power of the Warrior spirit and dedication to our unique mission this past week during Giving Day. The extraordinary generosity has created a profound impact that will benefit our students, faculty and programs every single day," said Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, Wayne State University President. "The record-setting success of Giving Day — for the second year in a row — underscores the excitement about our WSU Prosperity Agenda and the momentum of our strategic plan. The continued support of our university community will move us even further and is deeply appreciated.”
Giving Day 2025 followed closely on the heels of another historic Wayne State milestone: A $50 million gift to the College of Engineering from alumnus James A. Anderson (BSCE ’66, MSCE ’70) and his wife, Patricia. It is the largest single gift in Wayne State’s 157-year history and led to the college's renaming as the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering.
On Thursday evening, alumni and supporters gathered at Detroit’s Cambria Hotel to celebrate community, philanthropy and the power of collective impact. The event served as the official kickoff to Giving Day 2025 and highlighted the inspiring stories of this year’s Alumni Award winners, whose careers demonstrate the transformative power of a Wayne State education.
The momentum carried into the next day, as Giving Day 2025 unfolded across campus and online. Social media buzz, donor matches and challenges, and a wide range of student- and alumni-led efforts encouraged participation throughout the Wayne State community and beyond. That evening, Wayne State Night at the Detroit Pistons game offered another opportunity to showcase Warrior pride, connect with fellow supporters and make in-person gifts.
Giving Day is part of the university’s broader commitment to building a stronger, more accessible and more innovative institution — one that continues to serve as Detroit’s engine of opportunity and has been recognized as one of the top 100 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
For those who missed the opportunity to give on April 10, you can still make a gift by visiting givingday.wayne.edu. For more information, contact the Office of Donor Experience at donor_experience@wayne.edu.